I am terribly sad at the thought of never seeing Lili again. So extraordinary in every way, but also very endearing.


I felt a deep affection for her during the two unique meetings in this - for me - sad year of 2022. You can't imagine the pleasure I had to see her and to talk to her briefly, three weeks ago. Liliane is one of those people who cannot be forgotten, so strong was their personality from the first meeting.


It's a shock to read these words, Lili for me was part of the unsinkable that nothing could dent completely.

I loved and admired Lili, her strength of life, her enthusiasm, her inimitable style, her generosity and her very own way of asserting her opinions.

I have many wonderful memories of her that I will treasure like stars in my personal sky.

I know she was a wonderful presence in your life, Joanna's life and your boys' lives.


Our fondest thoughts of Liliane and her magnificent spirit.


She is a remarkable woman and mother. Her radiant energy is always present among us. I wish to leave like her, in sleep, without suffering.


Beautiful and moving photo of your wonderful Liliane. It is very sad.

I loved her very much as soon as I met her, Paris, Montpellier, she was wonderful, it makes me very sad. She was dazzling, really unique, luminous, and so fine and young at the same time! Each time to see her, to talk to her, to listen to her was a pleasure.


I am very sad to read your message. I loved Liliane so much, so warm and funny, who cherished you more than anything. I have very nice memories of her time in Palo Alto. Liliane, a tornado that carried us in its wake. We were a little bit ko and enchanted/raptured at the same time. 


We are , ALL the family here is Israel, sharing with you the loss of our dearest beloved Liliane, who was for so many years such an important part of our lives. We spent wonderful and meaningful times together and the memory of those days will always be in our hearts. 


I am deeply sad and sorry. Liliane was a very special and important person in my life. I felt very close and connected to her. Her unique character will always take a significant role in my life. I miss her already, and will cherish her in my heart forever.


 I feel a big pain and sadness on learning of the passing of your dear mother.

I will forever remember Liliane's incredible positive personality, her huge heart, and generosity and I will miss meeting her in Paris , Rome, or in Israel. I considered her as part of my family. We feel very close to you and your family that she adored. We will miss her thoroughly,


I have so many memories of Liliane and her tireless energy. She was always up for new adventures with enthusiasm, determination and strong opinions. I always appreciated the way she included everyone in her plans, no one in her presence was left out.


 She was truly a force of nature. I have so many fond memories of meeting her for the first time and get togethers at your house. She was so kind to me. What a wonderful woman and a great mom and grandmother. She will truly be missed.


Lili was very special to me, and I would always cherish the special memories including the one attached from July 2017 at the St Petersburg opera house. I send you lots of hugs as she was an extraordinary woman and a very proud mom. She will always be in your heart.


She was so vivacious and fun loving, and cooked a storm. The picture shows how beautiful she was as a young woman. She had an extraordinary and interesting life. I am glad we got to see her in NYC fairly recently, and in good spirits.


A great lady left today...way too soon. At least we had the chance to see her before she left. 


The news of Liliane's rapid departure really upset me. It is by walking with her for more than 25 years that I was able to appreciate her originality, her kindness and her great generosity. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.


Liliane had come through so many battles with various illnesses that I hoped she would overcome this. She had an extraordinary personality and vitality. She was still exceptional for her age.


So sorry to hear these sad news! We really loved Liliane, and enjoyed every moment spent with her. She was a force of nature!


Liliane radiated energy and forward movement - a delightful presence. She seemed to know who she was and what she was doing, which was an inspiration to everyone around her.


What an amazing woman (and photo)!


I hope you can quickly take solace in how rich Liliane's life was, full of adventure, culture, friends, and most of all, such a close bond with you, Joanna and the boys. She was unique, inexhaustible, and will always be with us all.


Each time she visited us for more than 30 years, we had the impression for a few days that we were part of her life, so much so that her whirlwind of energy and generosity carried away all those, her children and their friends, who were around her during her visits to Palo Alto... We will all miss her, but she will not be forgotten!


As you say, her energy was unmatched. I remember when she was telling about her cruise with a broken arm where she thought it was normal to get up an hour before everyone else to get ready and look good and ready for any adventure, as if nothing had happened. I thought when I listened to her that I would have stayed at home and felt sorry for myself. Well no, there are other ways to face difficulties and she was quite an inspiration! I have fond memories of all the times I spent at your house during the famous movie nights with Liliane.


We are so sad to lose Liliane, yet so privileged to have known her and to have visited over Thanksgiving with you and the family. What a spirit she was. I love seeing the photo of her when she was young. Her mischievousness pops out at me. You could count on her to have some interesting opinions. She was elegant and generous, and it was lovely to see her enjoying her amazing family.  


The photo of your mother is impressive, and we thank you for including it with the sad news of her death. Even a brief encounter with her was enough to convey her strength, charm, and intelligence. She seemed to be equal to any event and any fortune, good or bad. Fortunately, she often experienced happiness. And she was always beautiful.


We are saddened to hear this news. We had the privilege of meeting her and we will remember her fondly. Thank you for the picture, it was beautiful. What a beauty !


My friend Lili shopping has left us and I have a very heavy heart. She was very proud of her grandsons whose "glorious" career I know. A true friend, since our animated discussions often ended in a pugilistic fight. We resumed the discussion as if nothing had happened. I refused to agree with her, I stood up to her and I think she liked that. I already miss my Lili but I am so happy to have known her.


She was a very dear friend to me, a model, an exceptional woman, I loved her very much and I admired her courage and strength. Her departure leaves a great void.


 Liliane was indeed a special person-and it was a blessing she remained so engaged and energetic into her later years. I recall fondly the time we spent with her in your home in France when we traveled there, and seeing her at your many events over the years.


I have so many happy vivid memories of Lili -the times at your home and the times at her home in Paris long ago. She was so engaging, curious, and forever young in the best sense. I am grateful for the many times you shared her with me. As I told Joanna, it was so clear how much she loved and adored each of you-I could feel her love for you all fill the room.


I have so many happy vivid memories of Lili-the times at your home and the times at her home in Paris long ago. She was so engaging, curious, and forever young in the best sense. I am grateful for the many times you shared her with me.


Like all her many friends, I will remember her as a luminous, welcoming and warm person.


I remember her kindness, her vivacity and her uncompromising humor, which reminded me of my grandfather's Yiddish spirit. I remember her warm welcome when we spent a few days together in her house in Montpellier, as well as all the times she invited us to restaurants or theaters in Paris.


It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of your dear Lili. Your mother was a wonderful woman, she left an extraordinary example in the strength of her life, her honesty and her courage. She will always be with all the people who love her. In Japan they tell this story: when a person dies, his soul is released from his sick body. During 8 days, this soul travels towards the light until it finds a star. From there, it is very close to its loved ones and always takes care of them even from a distance.


It was such an honor knowing her over the last 20 years. The life force and flamboyance with which she lived and aged is something remarkable, and we've all learned much having watched her.


For me, Liliane was above all a great resilient person.

She was able to overcome a childhood marked by the loss of her father, the exile from her native land and to help her grow up only a mother.

There were times when I saw her shedding tears during a performance. Her deep sensitivity, which seemed to disappear under a swirling energy, resurfaced at these moments.

Her eyes, wet with tears, were then stretched towards a beyond which exceeded the simple aesthetic pleasure.

Today she lives with Nathalie, her parents and all her relatives.


Liliane, what an incredible force of Life you had ... out of the ordinary ... your way of going through events and always following what guided and animated you above all: the Love of Life, the Love for Alain, Joanna and the Boys, your many Friends, Music, Opera, Cinema, Theater, Travels ......this insatiable and tireless curiosity and this constant capacity for wonder make you a beacon in our existence ... a light that will always be there ... You always knew how to choose the positive, and go beyond things without bitterness or regret ... what great wisdom ... and greatness of soul. We love you, we already miss you so much, you left while remaining in Life until the end, as if you were going to come back the next day... What a journey... you are in our heart forever... sacred Lili! 


Liliane's drive reminds me of a passage by Olivier de Kersauson:

"Living is a privilege. It is not a due. So we must have the politeness, the elegance, to take advantage of being alive to make this life beautiful. The awareness of our privilege must generate a behavior. Only one question, every morning: how to make this day beautiful?

... Nothing should be done out of habit. Every action must be subject to reflection. In other words, pleasure is organized. Routine is to be proscribed. One must understand what one lives and what one is. One must be able to choose from the panel of possibilities. It is a question of piloting one's life."


8 responses to "Memories of Lili"

  1. Shlomit Molho Avatar
    Shlomit Molho

    There is not one day since we lost Liliane we don't speak think and miss her. She left a big hole in our lives, there are so many of the friends she made here in Israel who feel the loss, we the family keep the wonderful memories of sharing our lives the happy events the sad ones and find it so difficult to accept the fact she is gone. Reading the beautiful words everyone who knew her describes her personality is so meaningful . We were so fortunate to discover we are family and lucky to spend more than 40 years of wonderful relations. She will be in our hearts forever am with a big love.

  2. Etienne Isambert Avatar
    Etienne Isambert

    Alain, I did not expect to learn of the disappearance of your mother, whom I knew well at the time of the photo you publish, and where my parents and your parents were neighbors. I only saw her once, and I am sad at the idea of not seeing her again.

  3. Odette Herbaut Avatar
    Odette Herbaut

    Wonderful idea to have compiled these testimonies of love, friendship, respect or admiration.
    In summary: Lili.... was a QUEEN

  4. Dominique Avatar Papernik
    Dominique Papiernik

    January 30, 2023. My Lili so exceptional so brilliant so generous and so strong. You fought to survive terrible ordeals that would have destroyed many. Since I met you in December 1980, you have always protected, guided and loved me. Your strength, your tenacity, your will, your joy of living despite so many sorrows, your benevolence forced my love for you and my admiration. So many memories that I keep in my heart. So many laughs and also so many sorrows that you had to overcome. I miss you forever. I love you forever my Lili. I really have a hard time accepting your departure but I know that you have found Nathalie. Sad consolation. Your Dominique. 🥰

  5. Bob and Delly Harris. Avatar
    Bob and Delly Harris.

    We had a 50+ year relationship with dear Lilliane. Our years together in Montpelier and a recent reunion in 2016. Her role as the major care giver for Nicole was beyond incredible. Liliane was always willing to welcome us and open her home and herself to help us and make us feel welcome and comfortable. May her memories be a blessing. May she rest in peace. She will always be remembered.

  6. Stan Avatar
    Stan

    So much charisma, singularity, a lot of energy, strength,
    optimism, generosity...words cannot sum up Lili. Her absence leaves a great emptiness, her last trip, the bitter taste of an inconsolable sadness. Our meeting, a gift of life. Today and for ever, there is the memory of our walks in Paris, in Montpellier, our cultural and artistic outings on which we had so much pleasure to exchange, Lili was always on the alert, enthusiastic about discovery and full of communicative joy, she gave me advice, sometimes she lectured me, but it was always with benevolence. Thank you for all those precious moments, together, with friends, in the company of cats, around trees and flowers, that she loved so much, certainly, our affection, our memories will be eternal.
    Hats off to you Lili.

  7. Rossmann Bernard Avatar
    Rossmann Bernard

    The few memories I have of Liliane remind me of a person of great generosity, vitality, dynamism and enthusiasm.
    May she rest in peace.

  8. Marion Avatar
    Marion

    Dear Alain,

    The picture of your Mom is beautiful, it reminds me of the time when we were neighbors.
    We met her at the theater a few years ago.
    We kiss you and Johana and your big boys.

    Marion

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