Obituary
Mala Joseph (nee' Lampart), 100, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026. Beloved wife and best friend of the late Cy for 59 wonderful years; loving mother of Natalie (Philip) Levin and Marc (Robin); cherished grandma of Brian (Talia) Levin, Michelle (Roger) Barak, Bradley (Lauren) Joseph, Michael (Courtenay) Joseph and Josh Joseph; adored great grandma of Madison & Jordan Levin; Judah, Maya & Jacob Barak; Corey, Taylor, Dylan, and Andie Joseph; much loved sister of the late Lida (the late Morrie) Joseph and the late Eda (the late Max) Gottheimer; treasured aunt of Rose (Arthur) Rosenwach and Holocaust survivor whose life reflected extraordinary resilience, courage, and compassion.
Born in Poland in 1925, she endured the horrors of the Holocaust and survived unimaginable loss during World War II at a very young age. Despite the hardships faced in early life. Mala rebuilt a future grounded in hope, family, education, and service to others.
Mala married her beloved Cy in Stockholm, Sweden, where they lived for seven years before immigrating to Chicago in 1952 to begin their family. Once in Chicago, they lived in several neighborhoods throughout the city before settling in Lincolnwood. In 1960, Cy and Mala opened Joseph’s Mart, a grocery store that first operated on Chicago’s west side before relocating to Des Plaines. Mala and Cy were tireless workers who, together with their children, devoted themselves to the store seven days a week.
Mala and Cy were also active members of the New Citizen Club, a Holocaust survivors group that fostered friendship, remembrance, and support among fellow survivors. After retiring, Mala-well into her 70s-joined Cy and her son Marc at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where they courageously shared their testimony to ensure that the lessons of history would never be forgotten. Through her strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit, Mala taught those around her the importance of dignity, perseverance, compassion, and humanity. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Memorial donations in Mala’s honor may be made to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. Chapel service Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For the link to view the service, shiva information, and to leave condolences, please visit www.shalommemorial.org or call (847) 255-3520.