Lee Meyer

1921 - 2017

Lee F. Meyer, 95, of Sarasota FL, former Chicago resident for 54 years died peacefully March 18 surrounded by her daughters Muffie (Ron Blumer), Carlin and Erica. She leaves behind adored granddaughters Emma Blumer and Molly Jacobs-Meyer, along with five nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. Daughter of Cecile and Oscar Malakoff, sister of the late Alvin and Robert, she was born December 7, 1921, in Bentleyville, PA. As a child she took lessons at Mrs. Kelly's dancing school under the tutelage of her son, Gene Kelly. She received her BA in Drama from Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee where she met Leonard Meyer, stationed prior to WWII service in Europe. After a courtship mostly by mail, she reunited with her soon-to-be husband in such an enthusiastic embrace that she knocked him over fracturing two ribs. They married shorty after V-J day, then moved to Hyde Park in Chicago where he began teaching. There she worked as a buyer for Bordelons, a store at the forefront of mid-century modern home furnishings, traveling to factories in Europe to source fine glass and porcelain wares. Later as mother of three, she supported her husband's career becoming the consummate hostess, entertaining University of Chicago guests ranging from Flannery O'Connor to Aaron Copeland. Additionally she co-directed and produced "Hips, Hoops, Hooray" a celebration of the centennial of Hyde Park, and lent her dramatic flare - and great legs - to University performances of annual Revels and Faculty Wife's shows. In a particularly memorable role, she dodged fruits and vegetables hurled by audience plant, Studs Turkel. She also volunteered her time, design aesthetic and discerning eye at the Renaissance Society and establishing of gift shops at the Oriental Institute and at the newly created Museum of Contemporary Art, where she also served on its Women's Board. A later career was as a successful realtor, after which she enjoyed a job introducing important newcomers in government and business to the city of Chicago. She was also a member of the Guild of the Chicago History Museum, and an avid tennis, scrabble and bridge player. Throughout her life (and theirs) she never hesitated to offer her daughters and granddaughters advice on life skills: with an emphasis posture, grooming, and table manners. Yet she retained her self-deprecating humor well into her 90s, as when she donned a shirt sporting the line "I'll worry about getting old when I stop looking so damn sexy!" She was that...and graced with wit, charm, spirit and energy...and those beautiful blue eyes and warm smile. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Food Depository or the charity of your choice. (Excepting any cause conflicting with her long-held liberal social and political views. She just doesn't have the energy to do any rolling over!)