We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Lucille Poskanzer, one of OLLI @Berkeley’s leading lights and fiercest champions.
Lucille wasn’t just a founding member of OLLI; she was the founding member — a woman whose gumption, humanity, generosity and fearless intellect galvanized a community of older learners and persuaded a campus administration to launch, in 2007, the OLLI that exists today, which you can read about here.
Until her passing on December 30 at the age of 92, Lucille never stopped. Even if you didn’t know her personally, you have felt the reach of her heart and mind. For more than two decades, she rolled up her sleeves for OLLI in ways both visible and quiet — chairing (and continuing to serve on) the Curriculum Committee, lifting up and celebrating new ideas and voices, and always learning, wondering, and challenging.
As her family wrote, “Her voracious intellectual curiosity, impeccable palate, and acute sense of justice will surely remain an inspiration to everyone who knew her.” Indeed, they will.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 14 at 1:30 PM at the Hillside Club in Berkeley (2286 Cedar St., Berkeley.) It will also be available to livestream. Details to come.
If you wish to make a donation in Lucille's memory, the family suggests OLLI, in honor of her enduring love of learning, and Planned Parenthood, in honor of her avid support of women’s health care.
Our hearts go out to Lucille's children, grandchildren, and all who loved her. She was a remarkable woman, and we will miss her greatly.