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

Submitted by the family

On Jan. 16, 2021, at 4 a.m., Lola Mondry passed away from natural causes a few months shy of her 100th birthday.

Known for her spitfire personality and huge heart, Lola will be missed by those that called her mom, grandma, bubbie Lola and Gigi.

Lola lived a life full of heartache and pure joy. She loved only one man, and their journey was one that they make movies about. Man, did she love to dance, making her the life of every party. She loved to shock everyone with some naughty jokes and found pure joy watching her dancing and singing dolls. And the best laughs with her were ones she’d “lose her teeth”.

No matter how much food she forced you to eat, you were always hungry. And if you said you weren’t, she’d almost get offended.

She fled Warsaw, Poland as a teenager to avoid being captured by the Nazis on a boat to Cuba. By the time she arrived in Havana, they had gotten word that her family had been killed.

She met and married the love of her life, Abraham, in Cuba. They eventually moved to New York, becoming American citizens, raising four children, including her daughters Frannie Hanin, Miriam Alonso and sons, Steve and Sam. It wasn’t easy, but she certainly could be proud of all she did.

She lived a full life. It remained full until early last year when Covid stole time together with her family.

Those she loved will always think of her while making chicken soup. They will laugh when they see a dancing stuffed toy and miss hearing her call with an “ala” at the end of their names. But what will be missed most is the red lipstick stain she left on her loved ones’ cheek.

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando FL 32810, 407-599-1180, http://www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com.