Lila Sher Margulies

I worked at the Lucy Scribner Library from 1972-2013. In that time, we trained hundreds of students to work there. While you don't remember every one of them, some students stand out and Lila was one of them. This was taken May 1994 at the circulation desk with fellow student, Jens Ohlin. It was the last day in the library before they began renovation and expansion of the building, and we went to the Sports Center for a year and operated with double the number of students workers (60) with closed book stacks and transporting books by golf carts up to Case Center for borrowers. We did it with all their help and returned to a beautiful library in Sept 1995. I was so sad to see Lila's passing in the issue of Scope. Way too young - to her family, I extend my deepest sympathy.

I only just saw this terrible news in the FS newsletter. Lila was instrumental in my son´s life and helped him navigate some challenges. She made such a difference. We will always be grateful for having known her.

I never met Lila but I have been deeply moved by her story, and by her courage through this harrowing journey over the past several years. Becky has shared some of her writing with me which frankly could be published because she was an amazing writer. I am sending so much love to Becky, to her children, husband, parents and friends.

I was lucky to meet Lila when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. She inspired me to question the status quo and also accept life´s curveballs. All with a twist of humor that I very much appreciated. So sorry to hear about her passing. Sending love to her family

Rest in Peace Lila. What an amazing person you were.

Lila was a direct advocate and voice for so many. I know her from Friends Seminary as I was a colleague and parent for years. She was always a generous listener, whose nonpartisan, intuitive insights created space for many of us through challenging times. Her honesty and humor was refreshing as was her status "blindness."

She incarnated love in action.

We will miss her and are thinking of her family in this terrible time of loss.

Dear Maggie, Sylvie, and Brian- my sincere condolences your family, my thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I will be counting down the days until I can give you the biggest hug Maggie. Your mother was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Remember, "Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch."
Please remember I am in your corner now, and anytime you need me in the future. I know the same goes for the rest of the Churchill community.
Again, my sincere condolences. Love you guys very much.

Years back at PS29 I was just another parent who came into oblique contact with Lila. It was a time in which I was working like a beast and not taking particularly good care of myself. I kept noticing she seemed to go everywhere on a big orange bike, which I found very striking. I remember repeatedly thinking, "There´s a person who knows how to live." It was a contrast to my own modus operandus; for this, I admired her from afar.

Dear Maggie, Sylvie, and Brian... Lucas, Rene, and I are so sorry for your loss! Lila was such a beautiful human being. May her loving memory and unique, precious light guide you all at every step. We are so happy we got to meet her. Please know that we are here for you. Sending our love and deepest condolences.

I only got to know Lila in the last year of her remarkable life, and I've loved reading everyone's memories of Lila here and elsewhere because they confirm that she ALWAYS lifted up everyone around here, even if took every last ounce of energy she had. This photograph was taken during the sound check for the Resistance Revival Chorus' performance at Carnegie Hall in March. Lila's participation in that concert required a Herculean effort on both her part and Brian's and she almost certainly paid the price the next day, but she generated and reflected so much joy in the moment in spite of her pain and fatigue, and we were humbled to have her with us on stage. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved her longer and of course to Brian and Maggie and Sylvie and Lila's whole family. I will try to live my own life more fully in Lila's honor.

In celebration of Lila, whose memory inspires new growth and connectivity that puts mycelium to shame.

I am inexpressively grateful for our brief time we spent together decades ago. Lila's engaging, magnetic energy will evermore remain enchanting and transcendent. Wishing her family peace and comfort.
In celebration of her life,
Mark
SF/Oakland

I will never forget the kindness she showed my children while at Friends Seminary . She was an angel.

Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May Lila's memory always be a blessing to you.
Teri Horowitz and Regina Skyer
Law Offices of Regina Skyer and Associates

I met Lila through the Resistance Revival Chorus. So grateful to witness her joy in singing and her love for being a part of the group. I will continue to treasure the memory of her husband beaming at her on the City Winery stage as we practiced for our Carnegie Hall performance. She was so happy! And Brian was so happy to see her happy. I am so glad to have experienced the joy of that moment through her eyes. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.

I only met Lila a handful of times but I remember each vividly. She helped me deeply. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Lila was the counselor at Friends my entire time there. I was going through a brutal time at home, and to this day, the feeling of her sitting across from me, leaning forward, listening, nodding her head, saying only what was needed, stays with me, benefits me. She ran Banana Splits with Josh Silver, and I always felt that I was truly able to express myself to her - she valued and understood the best in us. Lila, you´ve left a great something for us. May God enjoy your presence as we all have

Dear Brian, Maggie, and Sylvie,

With heartfelt condolences, I'm so sorry for your loss. Lila's strength to nurture and care for so many throughout her life is a testimony of her spirit. I'm so grateful and appreciative to have known her early in our careers as psychological consultants at Quaker schools. Lila's generosity and kindness will truly be missed.

Brian,

We join you and the rest of the family in mourning the loss of Lila. Although 3,000 miles of separation meant we only saw her a handful of times, her radiance was right up front and center when we did, and it was clear to see that you two were very special together. The memories you have of her will always remain, and will sustain you through what must be an unspeakably difficult time for both you and your family. Our condolences and best wishes are with you in perpetuity.

Love,
Gabe & Sharon

Dear Brian, Maggie and Sylvie,
I am so so sorry to hear about Lila. I knew her from the playground and was drawn to her kindness and amazing energy. I will miss seeing her in the neighborhood. If there is anything you need please reach out. With much love, Amanda and Jonah

Dear Brian, Maggie, and Silvie, Our family didn't know Lila, but we saw her regularly around the neighborhood and at the park, and she always looked so happy with your family. It was very clear how much joy you all brought her. Sending so much love your way, and we are deeply sorry for your devastating loss. We will be holding you close in our thoughts. Joanna, Toby and Anton

Dear Brian, Maggie and Sylvie,

We are so saddened by this tremendous loss and hold you all in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. Lila was truly a force of goodness. We will never forget her bright smile, warmth and ebullience. She was so special, so inspiring and we feel incredibly lucky to have gotten to know her.

Sending love, light and healing thoughts your way.

Dear Brian, Maggie, and Silvie, There is no beauty in the whole world like Lila’s and there never will be. I am so sorry, endlessly sorry, so honored by my friendship with her, so grateful, and so glad she was yours for as long as she was. All my love, Diane

Dear Brian, Maggie, and Sylvie-

Condolences to your family from myself and the entire Churchill community. You are all in our thoughts. With deepest sympathies from the entire faculty and staff of the Churchill School.

I, along with the entire Friends Seminary community, mourn the loss of Lila, our long-time friend and colleague who brought light, laughter, care and support to so many in our school community. We will miss her, but cherished memories and her inspiring strength and courage live on. We send our love. Bo

Dear Brian- Deepest condolences. We so enjoyed getting to know Lila from gardening in the Urban Meadow all those years ago. Hugs and love to you and your daughters. From Tamar and Mike

I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. You have my very depest
sympathy.

From The Cadets(Carol, Reggie,Noah and Nicholas)

I´m very sorry to hear this, the family and friends have my condolences! I worked at PS 29 and worked with her daughter Maggie in kids club. You must grieve and take one step at a time, and remembering all the loving things about a person a loving person. I must say I didn´t know her well but she was a beautiful person always smiling when I saw her and just strong. She gave me hugs a couple of times and was so kind and sweet! She is truly a gem Angel who will be truly missed and always loved! May God bless her soul and May she rest in peace now!

Lila sounds like an amazing person. For everyone who lost her, I give them my love!