Lillian Strauss

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec 22 from 6-9pm at the McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave. Union NJ.

A funeral mass will be offered at St. Michael’s Church, 1212 Kelly St., Union, NJ on Friday Dec 23rd at 10:15am with an internment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Newark, NJ.

Lillian Strauss was the eldest of four siblings. She was born in Cuba in 1932 to her loving parents Eduardo Murphy and Estrella Murphy Garcia. While she was still in school in Cuba she met the love of her life, Rodolfo “Rudy” Strauss. They were both 17 when the met, and had a long courtship of 6 years. Once Rodolfo graduated from college, they were wed and shortly after had their first born, Lillian. Three Years later, in 1961, Marilyn their 2nd child was born.

In 1962, after their factory and their home were taken by the communist dictatorship of Fidel Castro, the young family was forced to abandon Cuba, leaving everything behind, including Lillian’s father, brother and sisters. After passing through Panama, Mexico and Puerto Rico, they finally arrived in New York. The family resided in Queens for 3 years, and then moved to the state they called their home for many years, New Jersey. It was there at 36 years old Lillian and Rodolfo brought another daughter into the world, Maureen.

Lillian and Rodolfo were able to help Lillian’s sisters and their families escape Cuba and come to the United States. She would not be so fortunate in bringing her father and brother out of Cuba. They passed away and all she was able to keep were her memories of them.

Lillian’s husband, Rodolfo, founded Strauss Plastics in Newark, NJ with his brother Luis. After a two-year fight with the illness pancreatic cancer, Rodolfo passed away in 2003. After Rodolfo’s death Lillian resided in Key Biscane, FL (their summer home) with her eldest daughter Lillian. In just a few years she had to deal with her own illness, Lewy Body.

Towards the end of her life, Lillian made her permanent residence with her daughter, Marilyn and her family in Pinecrest, FL. Lillian was a true treasure, and continued showing unconditional love to her daughters, grandchildren and loved ones.

Lillian Strauss Murphy was the beloved wife of the late Rodolfo Strauss. Loving mother of Lillian Strauss, Marilyn Strauss Diaz and Maureen Strauss Alvarez. Adoring grandmother of Shannen Tyler Diaz, Mia Elizabeth Alvarez, David Strauss Diaz, Samantha Lauren Diaz and Christian Strauss Alvarez.

In lieu of flowers, please make donation in Lillian Strauss’ name to Wien Center For Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33140. 305-674-2121.