Lillian F. Mendelson

Lillian was born on July 29, 1919 in Live Oak, Florida to Samuel Ellsworth and Minnie Fleet. She met the love of her life, Harold Mendelson, at age 11 and married him in January of 1943. They cherished one another for 62 years, raising a family of four and working together with Rosalind and Sidney Mendelson as

co-owners of Mendelson’s Department Store in Tallahassee. While Lillian received a degree in Social Work from Florida State College for Women, she never worked in the field professionally. She did, however, practice social work all her life by reaching out to others. Because of her kindness and ability to make others feel special, many loved and respected her. Her children described her as a gracious southern lady who could be feisty at times.

Lillian is preceded in death by her husband Harold and many other beloved family members. Her survivors include daughter Barbara Guller (Phil) of Charlotte,

son Jim Mendelson (Sherrie) of Tallahassee, daughter Susan Goldstein (Stan) of Tallahassee, and daughter Dale Israel (Bob) of Atlanta; sister Marilyn Sandler; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and her dear friend Irene Allen.

The family appreciates her devoted caregivers, Maria and Sandy Rubio, and the staffs of Allegro and Big Bend Hospice. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Israel, where Lillian was a lifelong member, followed by a graveside service at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice or Temple Israel.