Funeral Details

Lila Jean Mayer (nee Auerbach), born on October 21, 1928, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2024. She is survived by and will be deeply missed by her children Marjorie and Robert Mayer, granddaughter Rebecca Childs, and great grandson, Zachary Childs. Her beloved husband of 71 years, James Mayer, died on February 9, 2022. A resident of Wilmette, Illinois for 32 years, Lila was born in Steubenville, Ohio to parents Sarah and Max Auerbach. She had two sisters, Eileen and Gilda, who she remained very close with throughout her life. The Auerbach family was active in the very small Jewish community in Steubenville where they also owned a grocery store. Lila, along with her sisters, attended Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio, where she received a degree in education. During her senior year, she met her husband James on a blind date arranged by James’ boarding house supervisor. As the story goes, Lila reasonably expected James to take her to dinner on their first date while James was only planning drinks. Dinner might have been particularly welcomed as James was apparently vying for Lila’s excellent Buckeye football tickets, which she had access to as a senior student. Despite returning home hungry and slightly off-put, she gave him a second chance and they married in 1951.

Their first child, Marjorie, was born in 1953 with their second, Robert, arriving in 1956. James’ career took the Mayer family all over the country and even the world, with time spent living in Virginia, Minnesota, New Jersey, and even Rotterdam, Holland. The family was settled in South Orange, New Jersey, for the majority of their children's school years. Lila continued to teach throughout their time in New Jersey. Lila and James travelled extensively throughout the world later in life. The couple moved to Wilmette in 1993 to be closer to their children and young granddaughter. They built a wonderful community in the North Shore, full of many friends and social activities. Lila was extremely active in the life of her granddaughter, putting her teaching skills to work to help Rebecca become a very early reader. She was an avid reader herself, loved theatre and playing bridge at Temple Jeremiah in Northfield, Illinois. She also tutored English language learners. Lila will be remembered by all for her warmth, good spirit, and dedication to her friends and family. In addition, the Mayer family expresses their deepest gratitude to Lila and James’ amazing caregivers who made it possible for them to live at home comfortably to the end of their lives. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601, www.alz.org or the charity of your choice.

Memorial service, Friday 2PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment Private. To attend the Funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com