Lillian Katz Spetner, described as a “matriarch and a central community figure,” longtime volunteer in synagogue and other activities and longtime resident of University City, died at her home late last month (Saturday, July 29, 2006), after a long illness.

The widow of the late Norman “Buddy” Spetner, who was also a longtime volunteer and activist in the Jewish community, served in a wide range of community leadership positions, including the Jewish Hospital Auxiliary Board, the Shaare Zedek Synagogue board of directors and the Auxiliary Board of the Jewish War Veterans Missouri Dept. Post 644. She was a member of Congreg-ation Shaare Zedek for more than 80 years and most recently served as chair of its l00th Anniversary Celebration Campaign.

In addition to her leadership roles, Mrs. Spetner “spent countless hours volunteering her time to support a broad range of needs in the community, including cooking and driving for Meals on Wheels, serving as a physical education instructor for the H. F. Epstein Hebrew Academy and visiting with patients at Barnes/Jewish Hospital,” her son Donald Spetner said. From l987 to l994, Mrs. Spetner managed the “Depot” thrift store for the St. Louis Section, National Council of Jewish Women.

Lillian Katz Spetner was born March 20, l923 in St. Louis, the daughter of Joseph and Ida Katz, the fifth of six children. After graduating from Soldan High School, she attended Harris State Teachers College (now Harris Stowe), before marrying Norman “Buddy” Spetner in l944. They were married for 42 years, until Mr. Spetner’s death in l986.

Said Donald Spetner, “As the mother of seven children, having l4 grandchildren and one great-grandson, Lil will be forever remembered as a powerful matriarch, and as a comforting and counseling advisor to friends and family. She was known and loved by many as ‘Baba Lil,’ ‘Aunt Lilly’ and ‘Cookie.'”

Mrs. Spetner is survived by her children, Alan (Helene), Carol (Barry) Pessin, the late Elly (Carmi) Fredman, Steven (Marcie), David (Katherine), Bob (Kacey) and Don (Laurie); and her grandchildren, Amy, Robbie, Sam, Rebecca, Elana, Michelle, Ian, Ben, Jamie and Michael Spetner; and Adam (Ezter), Zac, Abby (Joe) Goldberg and Eleanor Pessin, and great-grandson Daniel Pessin. She was the sister of Sheldon Katz and Sylvia DeWoskin and the late Isidore and Ben Katz and Ann Bianco, and sister-in-law of Label (Julie) Spetner and the late Kenneth (Rita) Spetner.

Funeral services were held at Shaare Zedek Synagogue. Burial was at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery on White Road in Chesterfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shaare Zedek Synagogue, 829 North Hanley Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63l30.