Obituary
Arlene Formund Stillerman, aged 102, died peacefully on May 2, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. Born in Chicago on March 2, 1919 to Charlotte (Ginsberg) and Lew Formund, she lived most of her life in and around Chicago. She spent her last decade in Seattle, Washington.
From the age of 4, when she first danced professionally, Arlene was a passionate creator and patron of the performing arts. A graduate of Austin High School, Arlene studied at the Goodman Theater School, now DePaul University Department of Drama, under the renowned actor David Itkin. She worked for Charley Hogan and Marcus Glazer, Chicago-based talent agents, early in her career.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Mundelein College and a Master’s Degree at Loyola University, Chicago. She performed for many years reading poetry; on CBS radio dramas; owning a dance studio in the Loop; working with art galleries; and participating in film and play reading groups. A true bibliophile, she never read a Saul Bellow novel that she did not love.
Arlene found a kindred spirit in her beloved husband, Manuel Leon (“Manny”) Stillerman, M.D, a WWII veteran who served as a mobile surgeon in the North African and Italian campaigns including the invasion of Sicily, Battle of Salerno, Battle of Monte Cassino, and the Battle of Anzio. He was a prominent ophthalmologist and accomplished violinist who led an orchestra at the Palmer House while in medical school. He predeceased her in 1994. Together, they raised three children, Susan Aaron (Lawrence), Sidney Royer, Esq. (Mark Leemon), and Dr. Charles Stillerman (“Chuckie”).
They built a life centered on family, their mutual love of music, theater, film, art, intellectual discovery, conversation, and travel. Arlene relished entertaining and did so with style, delighting in a vibrant gathering. She had a deep curiosity and sought out other thinkers and doers, close to home and around the globe. Arlene loved to travel, and was happiest in a chic pair of sunglasses with a dry gin martini in hand and the sun on her face. She was active in a number of causes and served as a board member and chair of the Women’s Committee of the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. Most of all she loved her family and instilled in her children and grandchildren the values of being curious, witty, maintaining a sense of humor, and appreciating the gifts of the creative spirit. She was a devoted daughter, sister and aunt and a constant presence in her family.
In addition to her loving children, she leaves behind her cherished grandchildren to whom she was Grandmama or Bama, and whose growth and accomplishments she celebrated. They are: Gina Schmeling (Alani Golanski), Adriana Schmeling Payne, Ari Royer, Chloe Royer, Mark Stillerman, James (“Jimmy”) Stillerman, and Mia Stillerman, and great grandchildren; George Payne, Lucy Payne, Creeley Golanski, and Cy Golanski.
A private service will be held graveside for the family. The service will also be livestreamed on May 6th, 1:30 p.m. CT at www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com. Under Recent Services, click on Arlene's photograph and scroll down to Service Details to view her service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the The Theatre School at DePaul University, https://theatre.depaul.edu, or the Merit School of Music, www.meritmusic.org. Info: The Goldman Funeral Group (847) 478-1600
Arrangements by Goldman Funeral Group. www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com