LILLIAN THALENFELD

Lillian Stein Thalenfeld, 91, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Bear Creek, died late Sunday, September 2, 2012, with her loving family by her side. Born in Forest City, PA and raised in Nanticoke, Lillian was the daughter of the late Samuel and Fanny Elowitz Stein and was a graduate of Bucknell Junior College (now Wilkes University). She married her husband, best friend and lover of 69 A½ years, David Ralph Thalenfeld, December 28, 1939. While he was serving the United States Army Air Corps (later Air Force) in Kunming, China, she lived in New York City and worked for Popular Science Magazine. When David returned from China in 1946, they started a chain of 5 & 10 stores called McLarens 5 & 10 and she worked as CFO and buyer. When her son, John was born in 1956, Lillian became a full-time mother and housewife, becoming active in the local school PTA and Temple Beth Shaloms board and sisterhood, in New York City. In 1982, the family moved back to PA and she became a member and active in many organizations, such as Board member for Family Services of Wyoming Valley, Wyoming Valley Historical Society and Temple Bnai Brith. She was also a member of Temple Shalom in Naples Florida. Lillian was a very gentle, compassionate and caring person, never had a bad word for anyone. It was said by many, if you cant get along with Lillian, you cant get along with anyone. The family would like to thank everyone from Moorings Park and Vitas Hospice for all the loving and compassionate care they gave her. In addition to her parents and husband, David in 2009, Lillian was preceded in death by sisters, Joan Harrison Stack, Marion Stein Levy, brothers, Albert Stein, Ben Stein and Berris (Beck) Stein. She is survived by her loving son, John E. Thalenfeld, Bear Creek; grandchildren, Rebecca Mollie Thalenfeld, Dallas; Adam Henry Thalenfeld, New York City; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held, Friday, September 7, 2012, at 11:00 am at the Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, 348 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre, with Rabbi Larry Kaplan, Rabbi Roger Lerner and Cantor Ahron Abraham officiating. Interment will be in Temple Israel Cemetery, Swoyersville. Shiva will be observed at the home of her niece and nephew, Ruth and Jerry Chariton, 255 S. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, 8 to 9 pm Saturday evening, and Sunday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Memorial contributions, may be made to Family Service Association of Wyoming Valley, Temple Bnai Brith of Kingston, Temple Shalom of Naples, FL, Luzerne Foundation, or charity of donors choice.

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