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…

Alice Wexler

I will never forget the day I stood in a family apartment whose occupants had moved out but whose “stuff” remained, quite a lot anyway. It was my job to deal with it. I had met Irene only casually but nonetheless had shared my bewilderment…

LeClanche Durand

Irene and I used to bump into each other on Broadway several times a week in our Morningside Heights neighborhood. We'd stop and chat about current events and matters of local concern. Sometimes when I commented on a play or film, Irene would…

Ava Schonberg

I was helped by Lily right at the beginning, when I attended the first organizational meeting. I was helped by Lilly members right from the start, until my companion passed away. I don’t know how I would have managed without their help ,visits.…

Iris Shorin

Just recently my aol computer was scammed. The culprits sent an email to all my contacts explaining I was very ill, needed money and were asked to send gift cards to the sender of the email. I am a member of LiLY and Irene, just one of my contacts.…

Leila Stroud

Irene Zola is remembered as the visionary founder of LiLY (Lifeforce in Later Years), which created a community for seniors and neighbors. LiLY volunteers assisted and socialized with seniors in a variety of activities, which has helped to allow…

Karen Anderson

When I think of Irene, so many superlatives come to mind – beautiful, brilliant, visionary, magnanimous…. I am aching for myself and our community and for John. Irene wanted a better world for seniors, worked to make it happen, and in…