Merrian Lee Rifken

Merrian Lee Rifken Jan. 25, 1915 - April 11, 2009 Merrian Rifken (nee Lee), was born in Chicago, on Jan. 25, 1915, and died Saturday, April 11, 2009. She is survived by her loving husband, Louis Rifken; daughter, JoAnne (Marshall) Goldin; sons, Martin (Donna) Rifken and Harold (Vera) Rifken; 10 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Howard Rifken, in 1995. Merrian is the youngest of eight children born to Pearl and Menasha Lee. The Lee family arrived at Ellis Island shortly after the turn of the last century and followed the immigrant's dream of freedom and opportunity, first settling in rural Lewisport, Ky., where her father ran a country dry goods store. When relatives up north encouraged the Lees to move to Chicago, they packed their belongings, an assortment of dogs and two pet squirrels, and headed north in a horse-drawn buggy. The family settled in Chicago in 1914, where new opportunities and adventures awaited the large family. Merrian didn't get a rural Kentucky upbringing like her siblings, Lottie, Bob, Francis, Cecil, Zelda, Cinda and Frank, as she was born not too long after arriving at their Aunt Hannah's home in Chicago. All worked and studied hard, and there was considerable upward mobility. Being the youngest, Merrian drew adoring attention from the bustling clan and learned from her gregarious mother two important keys to life - hard work and close friendships. Merrian's mother made sure that family and friends were always welcome in the Lee home. Parties and any excuse for a celebration became a tradition in the Lee home and continued throughout Merrian's long life. Shortly after finishing accounting and bookkeeping studies at Senn High School in Chicago, Merrian met a handsome young furrier, Louis Rifken, who had a shop in Elgin, Illinois. They fell in love, married and together ran a successful business for over 45 years, raising four children--JoAnne, Marty, Howard and Harold--and cultivating many friends in the community. The family get-togethers continued with a new generation as Merrian and her siblings each produced families. Weekly parties and celebrations filled the Rifken home on Vincent Place in Elgin with bridge, poker and mahjong games and much animated talk and laughter. Merrian will be remembered for her unconditional love of her children and her extended family and the deep friendships she formed over her many years in Elgin. She will be remembered and loved for encouraging her children to pursue their dreams and most of all, for her deep love and support of her husband Louis Rifken. Graveside services for Merrian will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin.