MADDIS, Eileen

April 25, 1930 - January 7, 2021

A force of nature, Eileen was born to Russian immigrant parents, Esther and Isaac Giberman in Chicago, Illinois at the beginning of the Great Depression. Born poor, but so rich in family, friends and community, Eileen was known for her independent and optimistic spirit, living each day with joyful purpose. Socialist to the core, she will be remembered for her youthful disposition, devotion to family and friends and passion for social justice and democratic causes.

Eileen was the first member of her family to graduate college with a BA in Psychology, Sociology and Education. At 27, one of the thrills of Eileen’s life was privately chaperoning (twice) Eleanor Roosevelt honored at her alma mater, Roosevelt University where she served as Assistant Alumni Director and on the Board of Trustees. Later she pursued graduate studies in Recreation Administration putting her education to good use in all her work endeavors which included: providing free advice and a place to stay for family, friends and others in need, matchmaker to 16 couples (only 3 divorces), camp administrator and travel agent.

Eileen expressed her love for family, Judaism, Israel and social justice as a passionate activist in numerous Jewish and women’s empowerment organizations – Habonim, B’nai B’rith, Ameinu, Na’amat, and Valley University Women. She enjoyed traveling the world with her beloved husband Marvin always in search of relatives. When she wasn’t traveling, Eileen would share her adventurous spirit by planning trips for others. Toward the end of her life, she did the extraordinary, by continuing her activism while living in a skilled nursing facility at The LA Jewish Home -- taking ACCESS to her organizational meetings, studying for her Bat Mitzvah (at the start of the pandemic), playing bridge, bingo, exercising, beadworking and organizing dinners with her new friends. One of Eileen’s greatest joys was to lunch with her grandkids at Uncle Bernie’s Deli where she delighted in seeing and introducing them to friends and acquaintances.

Living by her motto: “Where there’s life, there’s hope,” Eileen’s last act in between two COVID hospitalizations was writing postcards for the Georgia Senate race. She would be so happy to know she died victorious the following day after the Senate race was won. Loving mother of Debby, (Dave Tillipman), Bernie (Barbara), cherished grandmother of Josh, Noah, Jacob and Tori, devoted aunt and cousin to family near and far.

Donations in Eileen’s memory may be made to: Habonim Dror Camp Gilboa, Los Angeles Jewish Home, and Na’amat USA.