Lillian “Lilli” Witt Friedman, who dedicated her life to family, charitable work and Jewish community involvement, died on Aug. 9 in Boca Raton, Florida. She was 97.
“She was always very in charge and made sure we had every opportunity,” said her granddaughter, Bailey Schendell. “Jewish culture and family were very important to her, and she made sure we stayed connected.”
Born Dec. 1, 1927, in Washington, D.C., Friedman was the youngest child of James and Dora Witt. Her siblings were much older, and she grew up as the doted-upon “baby” of the family. Her Hebrew name, Liba, meaning “heart,” reflected her nature. Relatives described her as warm, sincere and generous. Even late in life, people called her “Princess Lilli,” a nickname that captured the way she carried herself from childhood through her final days.
Her father founded the American Meat Company, a wholesale distributor in Washington. With the family more financially secure by the time of her childhood, she was often treated with special care.
Friedman grew up in a Jewish home, celebrating traditions and learning the value of family and responsibility. Her parents had emigrated from Russia before World War II, bringing over relatives one by one. She absorbed their lessons about perseverance, caring for family and building a stable life in America.
She married her high school sweetheart, Benjamin Schendell, after he returned from Navy service in World War II. They first met at a Jewish dance and shared a love of going out and dancing, even winning competitions. She later married Melvin Friedman and then Harry Friedman, unrelated, outliving all three husbands. She often described her life’s work simply as being married, saying she preferred partnership to being alone and found joy in building a life with a partner.
In the early years of her marriage, she worked briefly in her family’s meat business, keeping books and managing refrigerated storage space. She also rented freezer space to vendors, giving her a small but steady role in the operation. More than her business role, however, she devoted herself to family life and community service.
Friedman was deeply committed to Jewish causes, particularly Hadassah. She served as president of the organization and contributed regularly to its programs. Her daughter, Rhona Watson, recalled her saying, “Who else is going to take care of the Jewish people if we don’t?” Supporting Israel was a priority for her throughout her life.
She made education and self-confidence a priority for her children and grandchildren. She often told them they were “the most beautiful and the most brilliant” and encouraged them to pursue opportunities.
Family members remembered her as a woman of style. She took pride in always looking her best and enjoyed taking others shopping, often choosing clothes that became their favorites. “Going with her was like having a personal stylist,” Schendell said. “She’d hand you something and say, ‘Buy this,’ and it always turned out to be the one you loved.”
Friedman also enjoyed games and social activities. She played bridge, canasta and mah-jongg, especially after she retired to Florida. She and her girlfriends went to casinos to play craps. She taught younger relatives how to play blackjack.
Her generosity extended beyond her children and grandchildren. She was close with her nieces and nephews, treating them as part of her immediate family. Large gatherings were common, and Friday night dinners at her father James Witt’s house were a standing family tradition. Vacations were often shared with extended family, reinforcing bonds between cousins.
She was also known for speaking her mind. Family members recalled that she gave advice freely, not just to relatives but also to their friends. She encouraged younger people to plan their futures and make decisive choices. Her directness was part of what made her respected and loved.
After many years dividing her time between Washington and Florida, Friedman eventually settled full-time in Boca Raton. There, she built close friendships, enjoyed an active social life and remained active in charitable giving.
Even late in life, Friedman remained sharp, humorous and independent.
According to a eulogy delivered at her funeral, she inspired family and friends with her resilience, strength, laughter and generosity.
One cousin recalled that “Lilli’s laughter was the soundtrack of our family gatherings.”
Ellen Braunstein is a freelance writer.
