Lillian K. Gut

With great sadness, coupled with our sense of the completion of a life exquisitely well lived, we announce the passing of our dear mother, Lillian Kleinschmidt Gut, at the age of 97. Angels lifted her up on the morning of July 2, 2019, bathed in the loving support of her family, friends and wonderful caregivers, after a period of declining health.

In many ways Lillian was a woman well ahead of her times, with a finely tuned independent spirit, abounding humor and wit, a thirst for knowledge, and a highly developed sense of design. She carried her tall, slender, lithe being with grace, beauty and presence. She lived with exuberance and embraced rich personal explorations.

Lillian loved learning, excelled academically and believed education to be the finest route to success and happiness. She grew up in Queens NY, along with her older sister Betty, daughters of Ernest and Elizabeth Kleinschmidt. She was graduated from the John Adams High School and then followed her passion for textile and design. Lillian studied fashion in NYC at the Traphagen School of Design. She was employed in design work in the garment industry, developing and honing lifelong skills and interests. Even into the last decades of her life, Lillian continued to design and sew much of her own clothes. She was always thrilled wearing her favorite hues of deep coral, while occasionally showcasing bold patterns.

In April 1944 Lillian married the love of her life, Stanley J. Gut. Together they were an extraordinary team, until his passing in 1979. They especially enjoyed dancing, live performances in classical music and ballet at the Lincoln Center, active political engagement, exploring modern art and architecture and sharing many, many friendships.

They proudly raised four beautiful children in the family centered community of Packanack Lake; Francis Gut of  Virginia, Lillian Jankowski of Florida,  Elizabeth Gut of Massachusetts, and Jeanne Palmieri.

Bringing her creative touches to homemaking, Lillian loved interior decorating as well as designing many fine Christmas and Easter holiday and special occasion outfits for her children. All on a budget of course. She also delighted in offering her children many of the rich cultural experiences of the area and nearby NYC.

In the years after her children were well launched in school, Lillian herself returned to school, studying music theory and piano at the Juilliard School of Music in NYC.  She then taught piano privately to young students.

Known also for her athletic prowess, Lillian participated fully in many community based activities. She was part of the township champion volleyball team, and loved tennis, swimming, and biking at the lake. In addition she acted in and directed many Packanack Players productions. Her comedic acts in the summer variety shows were always a big hit. Lillian also danced with the Packanack group, Senior Follies.

Lillian had a tremendously friendly, outgoing presence and for some years enjoyed hosting a television talk show, “ Wayne Today”, filmed at William Paterson University, featuring local personalities.

A source of great pride for Lillian was helping to support and build the Catholic Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Church in Packanack Lake, and support vibrant Catholic programs for the youth. Years later she proudly supported building a new Pius X Church and School in Forked River, NJ where she served as a Sunday church greeter. Lillian maintained a deeply private spiritual life and was tremendously blessed to partake regularly in the sacraments throughout her life. Her rosaries were at her bedside in her last days.

Post retirement Lillian moved to the relaxing Barnegat Bay community of Forked River, NJ. Her dear grandchildren, whom she completely adored, will always remember her thoughtful parties. Grand waterfront firework displays sometimes accompanied important celebrations. She will be cherished for the fun she brought their way; Jesse Florian, Jessica Florian, Zeph Stuart of Tokyo, and Matthew GutMassaro of Ann Arbor.

Lillian developed a strong, meaningful and lasting friendship with her companion Richard Gumbinger. Together they made time for wonderful domestic and international travel, including winter sojourns in Mexico and Puerto Rico, London theater trips, explorations in Rome and Greece, and extraordinary seacoast adventures.

Even in her late senior years, Lillian maintained a very healthy active lifestyle, mind and body. She continued literary pursuits in a library based book discussion group. One of her very favorite activities was going to the ocean, admiring the waves, the sounds, the smells, then delighting in a swim. In her 90’s Lillian choose her first retirement community because of the fabulous indoor pool and gym, great cultural offerings and fine gardening opportunities.

We are so comforted to know that Mom had such a remarkably full and rich life and are deeply grateful for the loving care she received in her very last years, in the fine hands of the Parker at Monroe and Parker at Landing Lane staff.

For those who may wish to do so, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, LBDA.org.