Funeral Details

Jerry D. Lidsky, 84.
Beloved husband of Dr. Anne Lidsky, nee Ruda. Loving father of Leorah (Aaron) Eisenberg and Alisa (Jeffrey) Srulovitz. Dear grandfather of Jordyn, Ari, Jonah, Noah and Orly. Cherished brother of the late Florence (the late Leonard) Wulfstat and the late Ronald S. Lidsky. Loving brother-in-law, uncle, and treasured friend to so many.

Jerry defined the word mensch. He truly was made in the image of G-d, embodying the qualities of deep compassion, endless empathy, loving kindness, generosity of spirit, and sincere humility. Feeling awe for the world around him and a deep connection to his Judaism and to Israel, Jerry treasured life and especially his beloved wife, Anne, who was by his side for the entire 58 years of their marriage and during his transition for his ascent to G-d. Jerry’s devoted, beautiful daughters, Alisa and Leorah gifted him with their powerful love and his sons-in-law, Jeff and Aaron, were truly his sons at heart. Perhaps uniquely treasured were his five cherished grandchildren: Noah, Jordyn, Orly, Ari and Jonah. The love they and their parents had for their sweet Saba/Baba was extraordinary and they were able to express and show that love, especially during the last 11 weeks of Jerry’s life when he, too, was able to verbally share his love for them. Jerry could make them laugh with his silly antics and one liners, and he always knew the right thing to say to create perfect, loving connections. Experiencing his gentle, sweet soul and warm love were his greatest gift and his legacy. This quiet, gentle man wanted for nothing, simply satisfied to be blessed with loving family relationships, and he had that in full measure.

Jerry’s love for Israel began after high school with a year on Kibbutz Sa’ad and the Machon Chutz L’aretz. Along with his wife, Anne, Jerry led OSRUI’s first teen trip to Israel during the summer of 1968 and later they made Aliyah and lived in Israel from 1972 to 1975. There, Jerry worked at Beit Cholim Geha as a psychotherapist and then was honored with the coveted position of Art Director at the International School in K’far Shmaryahu near Tel Aviv. He was an educator of Jewish values: teaching at Temple Jeremiah for over 25 years, facilitating courses at the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, and leading teen trips for March of the Living and Ta’am Yisrael. Jerry loved to travel, and he and Anne were blessed with many memories of seeing the world together.

Jerry, an extremely skilled art therapist and psychotherapist, had an impact on the lives of so many, saving their wounded souls with his ability to listen intently and help them heal. Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Northwestern Hospital, Highland Park Hospital, and Lakeside Counseling recognized him for his accomplishments and his unique ability to relate to people suffering with mental illness, eating disorders, and the everyday challenges of life.

Jerry was a talented artist and photographer, winning awards for the unique quality of his work on View Bug, especially for the photos he created at the Chicago Botanic Garden, his favorite place to capture photos, focusing on the tiny details of flowers, blooming trees, and magnificent scenery. Volunteering at the Illinois Holocaust Museum for many years gave him a deep sense of purpose; those he led will always remember his gentle nature of sharing difficult and painful stories, helping them to understand the importance of ‘Never Forget’ and to remember this period of Jewish history and horrific loss.

So many people felt that Jerry was their spiritual mentor; he was adored by everyone who knew him, a model to us all. We are each a better person for having had the privilege of being in his presence. The world has lost an extraordinary man and is now missing one of its angels on earth.

Service Monday 12 noon at Temple Jeremiah, 937 N. Happ Road, Northfield, IL 60093. Interment Monday 10 AM at Shalom Memorial Park, (Section 1A) 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Memorial contributions made in his name to Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois 60022, Friends and family may contribute in our dear father's name as follows, and the funds will be able to go toward a Tribute Bench or other tribute: Select Tribute Donations at chicagobotanic.org/donate/tribute, and click CHECKOUT to enter his name and other information or Temple Jeremiah www.templejeremiah.org. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.