Lillian Hameroff's Obituary
Lillian Kaplan Hameroff died peacefully in the early morning of December 16, 2011. She was preceded by her parents, brothers, and beloved husband Harry Hameroff, and is survived by her son Stuart Hameroff, daughter Amy Hameroff Scott Ulm, their spouses Samantha Hameroff and John C. Scott Ulm, grandson Harrison Hameroff, brother Willie Kaplan, brother-in-law Eugene Hameroff, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Lillian had a heart of gold, a bright disposition, effusive love for all, and an amazing ability to find the silver lining in any situation, the eternal optimist. She was born November 25, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a privileged Jewish family, enjoying summers in the Catskills, Broadway shows and opera. Lillian worked in offices through the Great Depression, and helped her family rescue relatives from Europe prior to the Holocaust. After World War II, and having broken off two marriage engagements, she met a charming Army soldier Harry Hameroff who swept her off her feet, saying she looked like Lana Turner. They soon married, moved to Buffalo, New York, and then Cleveland, Ohio, and had two children, Stuart and Amy. Facing financial ups and downs, Lil went back to work in theater concessions, but Harry rallied to become wealthy. He and Diamond Lil' enjoyed the finer things, sent the kids to great schools, moved to Miami, and traveled the world with friends Leroy and Linda Griffith. Sadly, Harry died unexpectedly in 1980. Broken-hearted, Lillian retained her love and glowing nature. Despite suitors, she remained single, reminiscing about Harry every single day. Now they're together again. Lillian moved to Tucson in the early 1990s to be with her children and their families, and closely followed Wildcat basketball. Living at Villa Serena/Fellowship Square at Broadway and Pantano, she made many, many wonderful friends. Her 90th birthday party in 2006 at La Paloma attracted guests from all over the country. Mom, Grandma, Aunt Lil, Lillian .you've left behind so much love. Service will be held Sunday, December 18, 2011, at 11:00 AM, EVERGREEN MORTUARY with Rabbi Samuel Cohon officiating. Interment will follow in EVERGREEN CEMETERY, Temple Emanu-El Section.
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