Lilyan Tutelman

On Dec. 7, 2018, Lilyan Kunien Tutelman peacefully died at 7 Acres at 100 years young. In late September, she celebrated and thoroughly enjoyed her 100th birthday with family, friends, 100 red roses and live Yiddish music. She is survived by her two children Ronnie (Jerry) Greenbaum and Cary (Kathy) Tutelman and grandchildren, Rachel Greene, Adam (Chelsea) Greenbaum, David (Cici) Tutelman, and Emily Tutelman, and great grandson, Christopher Tutelman, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Sarah and Moshe Kunien, her four sisters Rose, Bek, Annette, and Ruthie and her two dearest friends, Mary and Ettie. Lilyan was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Sept. 20, 1918. After high school, she traveled to Toronto and apprenticed in a women's custom dress shop. She learned to design, sew, and make her own patterns. Lil was a professional seamstress and she could create anything from wedding gowns, to bathing suits, to lingerie. She made all her own clothes and also sewed for a very select clientele. In 1947, she met her future husband, Daniel Tutelman, on a blind date. They married on Feb. 13, 1948 and made their new home together in Minneapolis, where her new husband had a business. They were married almost 50 years until Daniel's passing. Lil was the consummate housewife whose first priority was her husband, her children, and her home. She was a very good cook and an excellent baker. Her specialties included chopped liver, potato knishes, kugel, apple strudel, mandel bread and split pea barley soup. She was a member of both the March of Dimes and the City of Hope and participated in their fundraising efforts. When her children were young, Lil enjoyed playing Mah Jong and Canasta. After they were grown and educated, she took up bridge, which became her passion. She played bridge until she had no more bridge partners. On her 100th birthday, she still had the card sense to beat everyone at gin rummy! Lil was truly a '" woman of valor." Her tongue was "guided by kindness" and she had an open heart that accepted everyone, no matter their religion or race. She truly embraced the world with open arms. Lil "cheerfully faced whatever" obstacles she encountered. She was the ultimate peacemaker and mediator. She never wanted conflict and tried to make everyone happy. The world will miss her kind words of encouragement, her gracious demeaner, her positive attitude towards life, and above all, her love for her fellow human beings. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff of the Medallion for their loving care during the 6 years she resided there. For the last 4 years, Lil has lived at 7 Acres. The family wishes to thank Gabrielle Langley, Dr. Henderson, and all of the wonderful caregivers on the Battlestein and Loeb units. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers from Vitas Hospice for the love, kindness and attention they gave her during her last days on earth. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,please make a donation in Lilyan's memory to Seven Acres, the American Heart Association, or the Susan B. Komen Houston Foundation.

Lilyan Tutelman

September 20, 1918 - December 7, 2018