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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...
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 at this seemingly impossible task ahead of me. I still recall that first day when I stood in the apartment feeling completely overwhelmed. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Irene and John entered carrying steaming cappuccinos and said “How can we help?!!!!” I...
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 dive in with questions in her unique creative style. Our subsequent interactive discussion often created a work of art of our own in the moment. We loved that and would laugh and let it go as we proceeded on our separate errands on Broadway. Not only was...
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. I was and still am a volunteer....
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. Not realizing the email was a scam, Irene called me wanting to help me in any way she could. We knew each other, but not very well. That was Irene Zola....
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 them to remain in their homes and connected to others. At the center of this community was Irene, always staying in touch, seemingly knowing each member's individual story, showing a maternal concern. Her warmth and empathy has given the LiLY community a great sense of togetherness. Her leadership skills were such...
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 the process elevated many of us into being our better selves. I loved being in her presence, basking in her warm, patient, intelligent regard, always receiving something positive and helpful. Seeing her in the neighborhood was also reassuring, knowing that if she was here, all was well, or soon...