LILLIAN PILZER

1922 - 2021

PILZER Lillian Kaufman Pilzer Lillian Kaufman Pilzer passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Born in Washingtonc, DC on June 2, 1922, to the late Abraham Kaufman and Estelle Zeltzer Kaufman. Lilly and her siblings were the first set of triplets born in Washington, DC at the original Sibley Hospital. She was predeceased by her beloved brother and sister, Henry Kaufman and Ann Kaufman Dobbs. They were a close trio that celebrated every birthday together for 88 years. In her youth, Lilly worked beside her parents and siblings at the family-owned Federal Supermarket located on 23rd and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. in the District of Columbia. Her parents instilled character and work ethic that allowed Lilly to become a successful businesswoman in a male-dominated era. Lilly was married to Herbert Pilzer for 17 years and later divorced. In 1965, she opened the Lillian K. Pilzer Surety Bond Company. Through the years, she shared her business wisdom with others, giving them opportunities to achieve their own goals. She was often referred to as "Tiger Lil" because of her decisive and determined nature. When Lilly decided to retire in 2005, she sold her business to her long-time friend and employee, Mary Ellen Gullickson, and the Pilzer-Gullickson Group, LLC was born. Mary Ellen and her daughter Patricia Barry are carrying on the legacy and service provided by Lilly for decades. Lilly was a member of the Shillelagh Travel Club, seeing all the wonders of the world and was active with the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. On many days, you could spot her walking on the crowded Washington streets dressed in her finest attire, a string of pearls adorning her neck and a matching hat topping off the signature look that was "Tiger Lil". She may have been on her way to make a personal visit to a law firm, introduce herself to a new client, or deliver a bond. In the evening, she could often be found at her favorite restaurant or bar where she loved talking to people while enjoying a drink with a twist of lemon. On June 2, 2021, Lilly celebrated her 99th birthday in an open house style event with close friends and neighbors stopping to celebrate her. She was "over the moon" with excitement that day, receiving more than one hundred birthday cards with personal notes. As she blew out her candle she said, "I wish I were 50 again!" Left to cherish her memory are her loving nephews and niece, Bruce Dobbs (Jane), Richard Kaufman (Melissa), Jack Kaufman and Lisa Eden (Alan) and children; beloved sister-in-law Geraldine Pilzer and dearest friends, Francesca Dahlgren, Patsy Lee Thomasson, and Evelyn Frempong. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be scheduled in the near future. Services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care. www.sagelbloomfield.comwww.sagelbloomfield.com