Pendleton native and lifetime resident Lillian Joyce Mitzimberg died at home in Pendleton, at age 96, after a very brief illness, on August 25, 2016. She was born November 14, 1919, daughter of Robert M. and Ruth Sussman, and lived her entire life in Pendleton.

Lillian was a rental property owner, but her first love was always music. She taught private piano and voice lessons, also teaching in the school system after getting her bachelor’s degree in music at Eastern Oregon State College. Early in her life she had dreamed of being an opera singer. Her beautiful, strong singing voice was popular at church services and ceremonies. She was asked to sing often at the Methodist Church she attended as well as the Christian Science Church. Lillian managed her rental properties mostly by herself until advanced age, feeling concerned to provide low-cost housing for those who needed it. She definitely had her unique style of management, famously responding to silly complaints with a good-humored “Oh, hooey!”

A life-long Democrat, Lillian served as John F. Kennedy’s campaign chairman in Umatilla County during his first presidential bid in 1959 and toured the county with him that year, then later with his brother Ted Kennedy. She was a long-time member of the Woodmen of the World Fraternal Insurance organization, active until very recent years, and her favorite charities were the Salvation Army and the Humane Society. Along with music, Lillian loved swimming, dancing, reading, and took particular pleasure in following her favorite baseball teams. She loved to laugh and giggle and always retained a cheerful attitude toward life, no matter what it threw at her.

Married to George (“Mitz”) Mitzimberg in 1940 and divorced in 1986, Lillian is survived by her sons David and Daniel Mitzimberg of Pendleton, five grandchildren (Elizabeth Curran, Emily Haskell, Justin Mitzimberg, Cody Mitzimberg, and Alex Mitzimberg), 17 great-grandchildren, and her sisters Linda Sussman and Marjorie Iburg and their three children.

The family expresses particular appreciation for the friendship and care provided by Crystal Clair, Steve Garner and Merrill James. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Oregon East Symphony Music Camp or Pendleton Center for the Arts.

Viewing at the funeral home will be held on Friday, September 2 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 6 from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton.

Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop is making the arrangements and can be contacted for further information.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Pendleton Convention Center following the service.