Obituary
Pauline Ruth Lifton, nee Freedman, 98 and a half. Beloved wife for 65 years to the late Alan (Abe); loving mother of Linda (Dr. James) Drummond, Dr. Lloyd Lifton (Nancy Laird), and Judi (Bernie) Newman; cherished Grandma of Scott Drummond, Becky (Ian) Gatesman, Jennifer Drummond (Anthony Sennett), Dawn (Craig) Edelstein, Matt (Jennifer) Beckman, Frank Newman (Becca Tenenbein), and Jeremy (Steph) Newman; proud great-grandmother of Lexi, Rory, Max, Isla, Macky, Chloe, Isaac, Jack, Everett, Ryan, Abe, and Lani; dear sister of the late Dr. Kenneth (Arlene) Freedman; sister-in-law to the late Esther (the late Nathan) Karel, the late Zelda (the late Dr. William) Itkin, the late Janice (the late Nat) Shaw, and the late Shirlee (the late Edwin) Hykan; loving aunt, cousin, and friend of many.
Pauline said that when she died she wanted us all to dance and sing. She taught us that attitude is the key to living well.
Pauline loved to knit and do sudoku puzzles every day for years until her hands would no longer allow. She was famous for knitting Afghans which she would bestow upon family members, whether newborn, college bound, spouses of her children and grandchildren, and also for many friends. And she loved owls.
One of Pauline's defining features was being positive. Another one was being extremely smart, though she often tried to hide it. She had a wonderful career as an elementary school teacher. She got a Master's degree in math education, and went on to earn 36 more hours of advanced education before many women even went to college. Her students loved her. One student from close to 50 years ago who still came over, told Mrs. Lifton to come back as an owl and visit.
Pauline and husband Al were longtime contributors to many charities to make the world better, including Jewish, medical, veteran, and educational organizations.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah, www.hadassah.org. Chapel service Thursday, July 17, 3 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Rd, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For information about the shiva, to leave condolences, and for a link to view the funeral service: www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.