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Lillian Pulitzer Smith

Lillian Pulitzer Smith obituary, New Orleans, LA

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Metairie, Louisiana

Lillian Smith Obituary

SMITH Lillian Pulitzer Smith died on Wednesday June 26, at the age of 92, leaving her daughters Susie and Carol Pulitzer, and grandson Nick Polster. She also leaves a boatload of friends and family who adored her. To her loving nieces and nephews she was known as Auntie Mame. Because Lillian delighted so much in the company of others, she made friends anywhere and everywhere she went. At a party, at the beauty parlor, at the doctors office, she was honey to the bee, holding court, making her companions laugh. Her joie de vivre is all the more amazing considering the tragedies she faced. Orphaned at 4 years old she grew up in the Jewish Children's Home. She and her dear husband Emanuel Simon Pulitzer lost their only son, Marshall, in a plane crash when he was just 20 years old. They hung together and raised a mentally disabled daughter at home, something that was not done back in those days. Lillian's shining achievement was never giving up on Susie and finding her a permanent home with a large extended family in Alabama where she lives in her own beautiful home surrounded by loving caretakers. Her daughter Carol attributes her own love of everything beautiful to her mother's exquisite tastes and talents including cooking, for Lillian was a world class cook. If she hadn't been so busy having a great time, Lillian could have opened a restaurant, a floral business, an interior design shop, or a clothing store, which she did, called The Uptowner. Lillian's way with people made her a terrific asset to her husband as he and his brother Sam built the Wembley Tie Company from the ground up to becoming the largest neckwear manufacturer in the world. Lillian's ready laugh and sense of humor, her embrace of life, and her kindness will be missed but remembered by so many. Our family and friends take comfort in knowing she is back in the arms of her loving husband and the son she adored.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Jul. 2 to Jul. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Lillian Smith

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Jack and LynnCohen

June 26, 2022

We think of Lillian often as we were very close during the years we lived in New Orleans. She was chic, kind and a great friend.

Jack Cohen

August 23, 2020

What can I possible say that has not been said. Lillian was a mother, sister and great friend to Lynn and me while we lived in New Orleans years ago. We spent many hours with her at her gorgeous home in the Quarter. Just seeing these photos after many years brought back fabulous memories of her charm and that contagious southern accent to recognizable as hers. RIP

Jack and Lynn Cohen
[email protected]

Julius Mckaskill

September 15, 2013

Hi Family,

This is Jules, the chauffeurs son, Julius McKaskill. Often, I speak so highly of your family. In conversation with my girlfriend she googled your mothers name and discovered of her death. Your family have my deepest sympathy. I remember as a young boy visiting your home while my dad worked. I was always welcomed by your gentle, loving mother. I remember my dad picking Carol and Susie up from school. I am really sad today. Please call me if you'd like to talk. 504-232-4609.

Cecile Torbergsen

July 16, 2013

Dear Carol,

Please accept my deepest condolences for the recent death of your wonderful mother. Being in your brother's class at Newman, I learned that your glamorous mother had a heart of gold and the inner strength of steel. Your tribute and those of her many friends and relatives remind me of how very fortunate we all were to have benefitted from her exemplary life.

May God bless and comfort you and Susie and all your family.

With deepest sympathy,
Cecile (Costley) Torbergsen

July 8, 2013

The Pulitzer family and ours go back a long way in deep friendships. How well I remember Black Lillian with her great joy of life. That entire generation of the family was special --- each in their own way... and I feel privileged to have my wonderful memories of them.
My thoughts are with the family.
Jacque Segall Caplan

Clara Lee Antin Aronson and Norman Aronson

Arthur Aronson

July 7, 2013

As a young child, it was very confusing to me at family events, as I was introduced to my Aunt Lillians. "This is your Aunt Red Lillian, this is your Aunt Black Lillian. This is your Aunt Lillian." I would not have been quite as confused had my Aunt Black Lillian been consistent with her hair color and I don't even have memories of her having black hair. As I grew older, and I was finally able to keep the Lillian's straight in my mind, I would recognize my Aunt Black Lillian for her beautiful smile, her kindness, her grace, and for being the class act that she was. It was well known amongst my family the tragedies in her life, so her courage never went unrecognized. She was no victim. She was just accustomed to challenge, and welcomed it into her life. I remember how my mother adored her, and looked up to her, and in many ways modeled herself after her. I am so saddened to learn of her passing. It marked the end of a generation, an era, of a group of a closely knit family who wove the fiber of the community. That generation of my family was amazing, and their contributions to New Orleans are a legacy and I am so proud to be a part of this exceptional family.
Though they all have passed on, in their path are newer generations of remarkable individuals who continue to share the love for one another,. Although we are spread out all over the world, we know who we are. We know what we share. We recognized how blessed we are to embody this lineage, and we show up for each other, as we were taught to do by our glorious ancestors. They taught us well.
I will remember my Aunt Black Lillian always. She and her beautiful smile are alive in my heart.
Carol, you are in my thoughts and in my prayers, always.

Kay Cohen

July 7, 2013

I remember spending days with my grandmother Hilda Cohen with her.

Ruby Tremont

July 7, 2013

Carol, your mother was a dear and special lady. She was admired and loved by all who knew her.The 700 block of Barracks St. in the French Quarter has not been the same since she left. Condolences to you and Susie.

Walli Adler Chefitz

July 7, 2013

She was a wonderful mother and model for all of us. Love and Condolences.

Seph Dupuy

July 7, 2013

Carol, I love your mom. She was always so lovely to me and we shared many laughs. God bless her.
Seph

Sheri A. Saperstein

July 6, 2013

Oh Aunt Lillian, I will always adore you. You made everything seem fun, exciting, indulgent, and maybe even worthy of a raised eyebrow. You were my great-aunt, with an appreciated dash of big-sister.

carol pulitzer

July 6, 2013

Thank you all who have added to the guest book. Wise and kind words. love, CP

Carolyn Evans

July 6, 2013

Carol, I am sure that you wrote this stunning and emotional obituary with the love you always had. Lillian would be proud to read this lovely piece and know how much you loved her. I am feeling for you and your family.
I love you
Carolyn

Lynda Mahana

July 6, 2013

In my mind's eye i can see Lillian walking up my front steps with a huge tray of cookies when my first child was born forty-four years ago.She was a very special person and will be missed by many.

Roger Smith

July 6, 2013

I came into Lillian's life as her step-son in 1971 and happily remained part of it throughout the years, most recently visiting her and Harry this January in New Orleans. She brought sunshine into my life and the lives of everyone around her, her honey laced with just the right amount of vinegar. I am fortunate to have had her in my life.

Maureen Feran Freedland

July 6, 2013

You've brought back a generation of .warm family memories with this touching tribute that truly captures Aunt Lillian. I am sorry for your loss. The sparkle of Aunt Lillian will stay with many, always.

Courtney Pulitzer Joubeaud

July 6, 2013

Sending all our love and sympathy to you all back home.
Courtney, Emmanuel and Simon

Arthur Monroe

July 6, 2013

Lillian will be missed so much by so many. She was always one of my favorite people, starting way back in the 1950's.

July 6, 2013

Blessings to you, Carol. Many memories are coming to me from so long ago. She was a beauty. I send condolences.

Anne Brener

July 5, 2013

CP, Deepest condolences on your loss..since she was your mom I know she was great. Thank you for letting me know. Nelda

July 5, 2013

Oh Carol--

Love,

Hudson

Mom and I

July 5, 2013

Mom, Susie, and me

July 5, 2013

Mom, Sylvie, Lisa, and Kagan

July 5, 2013

Mom and Beverly

July 5, 2013

mom and dad

July 5, 2013

eileen wallen

July 4, 2013

Our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends.may her memory be a blessing

Staff of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

July 2, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Funeral services provided by:

Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001

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