Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Lillian M. “Barbie” Heller, age 83, of Altamonte Springs, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Brookdale Lake Orienta. Barbie was born in Portland, Maine, on April 30, 1933, to the late Louis and Ida Wilensky Baker. She attended local area schools and received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Maine.

Barbie was the widow of the late Bernard Heller, who passed away in 2003. They relocated to the Orlando area from Cherry Hill, N.J., in 1976. Barbie was involved with Jewish Family Services in Orlando from its earliest days, serving as one the social workers on staff among other positions. The family has been active members of Congregation of Reform Judaism for many years. Barbie is survived by her son, Steven Heller (Doyle Hill) of Orlando; and daughter, Karen (Smokey) Knudsen of Altamonte Springs; and her grandson, Jonathan.

She is also survived by her cousins, Donna and Mia Watler of Altamonte Springs, Diane Rogers of Maine, Steven Brinn of Maine and David Brinn of Israel.

A funeral service was held at Congregation of Reform Judaism with Rabbi Steven W. Engel and Cantor Jacqueline Rawiszer officiating. Interment was at CRJ Cemetery in Gotha. The family requests contributions in memory of Lillian “Barbie” Heller to Congregation of Reform Judaism Cooking for the Homeless Fund, 928 Malone Drive, Orlando 32810 or Buddies for Life, Inc. Pet Rescue, PO Box 536393, Orlando 32853.

Funeral services were entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810