Sylvia Zola

Irene’s family was deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of her life. She was a brilliant, caring and brave woman who created, in uncharted areas, community groups such as LiLY, wherever she saw the need.

Everyone in our family misses her immensely and continues to think about her and how she made a positive difference in the lives of those fortunate to have known her. Irene was one of my dear four sisters and she was also a loved and devoted mother, grandmother, in-law, aunt, great-aunt and a good friend to many people.

Irene was very interested in the welfare and care requirements of elders and of those who helped them. She enlisted a corps of volunteers to aid local residents. She published The Villager, a periodic newsletter, to keep the volunteers and residents aware of current neighborhood events and activities where they could participate.

Irene lived in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of New York City since the 1980’s, where she was always an involved person. She spent vacation time in recent years in a small town in the Catskills where she helped form Catskill Neighbors, an organization with programs similar to LiLY’s. We are sure that those communities are mourning her loss, along with us. Irene was also consulted by people in other parts of the country who wanted to form organizations such as LiLY. Irene’s family is hoping that her legacy will live on into the future in the continuing work of the amazing and wonderful LiLY organization.