Lucille Falkof

November 10th, 2015

Lucille Falkof was the principle at Ravinia for my 7 years as a student there. When I was in 3rd Grade my father suddenly died of a heart attack. Mrs. Falkof was extremely supportive to me and my mother during this challenging time. She and my teacher did an extraordinary job of talking to my classmates and their families about how to be understanding towards me and helping me through this challenging time. My mother kept up with Mrs. Falkof a bit for many years and my mom always was very appreciative of how Mrs. Falkof helped out my family. May her memory be a blessing. – Michael Prager, Madison, WI

~Michael Prager
~former student, Madison, WI

November 3rd, 2015

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Lucille. I am but one of thousands of her former students who remain profoundly influenced by her. Lucille was my 5th grade teacher at Lincoln School in 1963-1964. She was one of the most inspiring teachers I’ve ever known. Her passion for learning and dedication to her work infused every minute of time in her class and inspired me to achieve. She seemed to understand what motivated us while also attending to our moral development and sense of citizenship. Some memories: teaching us to debate on the question of whether or not the U.S. should sell wheat to the Soviet Union; Lucille dramatically reading Edgar Allen Poe to us outdoors on a warm spring day; creating booklets for our fathers on Father’s Day beginning with the declaration, “A father is…” (my parents kept this for years!); crying with Lucille on the day President Kennedy was assassinated as Walter Cronkite carried us through that traumatic afternoon; her dismissing me from crossing guard duty because I ran up the stairs in school (speaking of moral development!); her encouraging my interests in singing, writing, and creating song parodies, as well as space exploration (including my corresponding with the Soviet embassy); and, of course, learning “new math.” I also recall sharing another moment of sadness with her that year when her sister passed away. She was strict, but also kind, humorous, smart, incisive, supportive, and human.

When my mother moved to the Hyatt in Glenview, it was a wonderful coincidence to learn that Lucille and Mel were residents there. What a delight it was to become reacquainted as adults, and how grateful I am for the kindness they extended to my mother as she approached the end of her life.

I am filled with gratitude, and wish all of you peace and comfort.

Always,
Bruce Koff

~M S
~Former student,