Diane "DeeDee" Polunsky Dulitz

Diane (DeeDee) Polunsky Dulitz died peacefully Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the age of 79 after a brief illness. DeeDee was born to Ethel Mazur Polunsky and Maurice Bernard Polunsky of San Antonio, Texas. She was the wife of Dr. Lester Purvin Dulitz and mother of Stephanie Dulitz Katz, Dr. David Alan Dulitz (Kristen), and Marla Dulitz Feld (Jason). She was preceded in death by her brother, Bob Polunsky, sister-in-law, Paulina Polunsky, sister, Dottie Fry and brother-in-law, Jack Fry. She is survived by her loving husband, children, and her grandchildren, Lauren and Michael Katz (Stephanie); Ethan, Alyse, and Ari Dulitz (David); and Andrew and Brandon Feld (Marla) along with her loving cat, Ralphie. Although tiny in stature she was affectionately known as “Big Mama” to all those that knew and loved her.

While undergraduate students at Tulane University, DeeDee and Lester met at Chevra Thilim Synagogue and were happily married for 57 years. During that time they shared an unconditional love where they laughed, smiled, and celebrated each other every day. She dedicated her life to her family, happily taking care of her husband and devoting her energy to her children and grandchildren. She was an amazing cook and always had a pan of her famous chocolate brownies in the freezer awaiting her grandchildren’s visits. She enjoyed many years of happiness watching and supporting her grandchildren through their many sporting and theater events. She truly was their biggest cheerleader.

DeeDee attended Newcomb College and was a member of SDT Sorority. DeeDee’s devotion to children began as an elementary school and Sunday school teacher. She was an avid tennis player who enjoyed sharing the game with her children and hosting friendly matches at their house. She often supported her husband’s medical practice and was recognized for her service in the auxiliary of East Jefferson and Doctors Hospital, receiving the Great Lady of Jefferson Parish Award.

One of her most rewarding community contributions was as a volunteer for suicide prevention through the Teen Life Counts Program with Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans. She was active in ORT, Brandeis Women's Committee, and supporting Gates of Prayer as a teacher, the Director of the Religious School, and a Board member. DeeDee supported her children’s schools volunteering both at Kehoe-France and Isidore Newman Schools.

Special thanks to the great care, support provided by Pam Clanton and Felicia Foster.

DeeDee was a very strong woman, who through her dedication to volunteering, aspired to build others up. DeeDee will forever be in all of our hearts as we remember this beautiful, friendly, and smiling lady.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Congregation Gates of Prayer Nursery School, 4000 West Esplanade Ave Metairie, Louisiana or New Orleans Women & Children's Shelter, 2020 S Liberty St, New Orleans, LA 70113. There will be a 3pm graveside service Monday, March 22, 2021 at Chevra Thilim Cemetery, 4800 block of Canal St. The link for the funeral service will be live streamed, and the link will be provided on the Gates of Prayer website.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com