by: rachel
Lily's mother, Bella, came to America all by herself from Hungary when she was 16 years old. She was fiercely independent and driven.
When Lily was a child, she demonstrated a gift for music, so Nanna Bella made sure that Lily had a world-class musical education, taking her to two violin lessons a week as well as acting classes.
Lily grew up to be a passionate, talented young woman.
She led a generally charmed life, with music at the center of it, but she had time for many other activities and interests.
We remember Lily so much for her passion for music, so it's fun to see her in other contexts -- especially on a horse!
Grandma Lily was a beautiful young woman, and she caught the eye of your Grandpa Eli. They were married after a brief courtship. Eli knew right away that Lily was the one for him.
They had two children, your grandma and her brother. Your grandma was the one who picked up the passion for music, and she passed it down to your father, who has, as you know, already passed it down to you.
Your Great-Great-Grandmother (Nanna) Bella's passion for music manifested itself in her dedication to Great-Grandma Lily's musical education. There was always music playing in your grandmother's home as she was growing up: recordings, chamber music "read-throughs" and chamber concerts. The children would sit on the couch in the back and listen. Your grandma caught the bug and music became a very important part of her life as well. She even married another fellow musician!
Lily eventually became the concertmaster in the Westchester Symphony Orchestra, a role that she cherished.
But she loved nothing more than hosting chamber concerts in her own home, so that she could share her music with her friends and family in an intimate setting.
(Sort of like when your dad plays ukelele, only much, much better.)
Your Great-Grandma Lily full of life and love. I only knew her in her later years, but it is not at all difficult for me to imagine her as the beautiful, talented, passionate, vibrant woman in this picture.
When she played music, she was not performing so much as giving, sharing her gift and hoping to transport you to a place of beauty and understanding.
When we named you for her, it was our hope that you would carry on with you her spirit of generosity and her passion for life.