Funeral Details

Lois Esserman Lurie (nee Bendes) died peacefully at age 97 on November 19, 2023 in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Lois grew up in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Dr. J. Harry and Pauline Bendes. In high school, she began working in her father’s medical practice. This early exposure to treating patients and serving others had a life-long effect on her. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Lois began her career as a speech therapist at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. Her work with children there led her, in time, to the Fund for Perceptually Handicapped Children, an organization devoted to the then-little-known field of Learning Disabilities. Through the Fund, she worked throughout Illinois, educating teachers about these widespread but frequently undiagnosed handicaps. Her husband, the late Howard J. (Bud) Lurie, eventually became president of the Fund. She returned to school and earned a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities. She became the learning disabilities teacher at Elm Place and Indian Trail schools in Highland Park. She also became an adjunct professor of Special Education at Northwestern University. Perhaps Lois’ greatest role was single-handedly raising three children following the early death of her beloved Bud. She was a beautiful, gracious, and much-loved woman who will be remembered for her kindness and warmth and as a teacher devoted to the success of her students. Lois married three times: Bud Lurie, the late Norman Esserman of Highland Park (she taught for many years under the name Lois Esserman), and the late William (Bill) Zack of Bingham Farms, Michigan. With Norman and Bill, she had wonderful opportunities to travel and indulge in her interest in the arts. She is survived by her children, Jim (Deirdre) and Fred (Patty) Lurie and Kottie (Martin) Stebbing, and five grandchildren, Jacob (Samantha), Ben (Alisa) and John Lurie, and Arlo and Amelia Stebbing. A service in her memory will be held at Temple Jeremiah, 937 North Happ Road, Northfield, Illinois on December 1, 2023 at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Alzheimer Association, Keshet or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.228.8822, www.cjfinfo.com