SLONSKY, Lili

Lili Slonsky, 80, of Phoenix, died peacefully on Dec. 6, 2002, at her daughter's home in San Francisco after a long illness. A native of Akron, Ohio, Lili's life was centered on her family, but she was more than a "Bubby," a mom, an aunt or an in-law. A beautiful woman with sparkly blue eyes, she was a friend and a confidant to anyone needing a sympathetic ear, a hug, a laugh, some tender advice. She had many lengthy conversations with her grandchildren about life's ups and downs, and even her childrens' friends valued good conversations with her, because despite her age, Lili was always young in mind and spirit. Although she was a homemaker for many years, Lili also worked in her husband's businesses, served as a patient representative at Thunderbird Samaritan Hospital and as a saleswoman at Holiday Oldsmobile in Scottsdale. Lili hand crafted beautiful beaded flowers and jewelry and sewed many intricate costumes for her childrens' dance recitals. Incredibly, she maintained her wonderful wit and sense of humor until her death. Lili was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, local businessman Carl Slonsky, and by her beloved daughter, Rochelle Colbert. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Jerry and Debbie Slonsky, daughter & son-in-law Phyllis and Mark Hughes, and daughter Marlene Davis, all of Phoenix; and daughter Lorrie Beth Slonsky and her partner Larry Bradshaw of San Francisco. Also surviving are granddaughters Wendy Sheldon of Gilbert; Kimberly Hughes of Tokyo, Japan; Jodi Slonsky of Phoenix; Elaina Verhoff and husband Gary of Laguna Beach CA; great-granddaughter Brooke Sheldon and sister Rozlyn Roman. Lili will be missed by all who knew her and will be remembered at a private family gathering. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/15/2002.