A Tribute To The Wonderful Bobette Zacharias

How does anyone capture the life of my dear friend like Bobbi Zacharias in a brief space?

A quick Google search indicates that only ONE Bobette Zacharias appears in the U.S. and Canada, and that seems fitting because no one else was quite like her. Imagine that!

Bobbi was a devoted wife and mother, a passionate social activist, a writer for justice, a talented pianist, author of “Mama’s Maxwell Street,” an amazing cook and party hostess, and a dear friend to a wide circle of friends. I was lucky to be among the many who loved her. Her quick wit, ready humor and blunt honesty could also dampen the enthusiasm of some of her fans. But to me, she was an amazing buddy for 24 years, and I’m grateful to have known her.

On October 1st of this year, my dear 92-year-old friend, Bobbi passed over, and according to her wishes, there was no funeral. Instead, she requested a memorial celebration, which just happened a few weeks ago. As modest as she was, she preferred a short announcement in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, so there were no other obituaries printed. But, I felt I needed to speak out. To share some of Bobbi’s personality with you... She had such a sparkle, a warmth, an outspoken conscience, and a ready laugh that was contagious. Once you met her, you’d never forget her.

I met Bobbi in the fall of 1990, during my 9th month of pregnancy, at the back door of her Winnetka home. She had been referred to me by a friend to write a proposal to create a video about the human experience. She called it, “Down The Birth Canal.” While her aromatic chicken soup bubbled on the stove, she passionately spoke about body parts, sexual experiences and how to love one another. Coming from a very modest, conservative Jewish upbringing, meeting Bobbi was like encountering a friendly cyclone.

I knew from our first time at the kitchen table that I never wanted to leave her. At the time, Bobbi was 68 years young, and I was just 36 years old, but our age difference was inconsequential. We forged a fast friendship, and would always be there for each other. It was Bobbi who decided to create an unforgettable 40th and 50th birthday party for me. She also hosted an adult Bat Mitzvah luncheon celebration for me as I decided to officially fulfill a dream to become a Jewish adult when I turned 48 years old.

Bobbi was larger than life, a whirlwind of determination for social justice and activism. She gave of her time and efforts to a variety of causes for those in need. Bobbi joined committees to defend the Bill of Rights, created “Citizens Committee On The Media, “ a media access group for Chicago area non-profit groups, and brought networking to its most engaging format through her delightful parties with mouth-watering delicacies.

Bobbi described herself as wanting to know why things had to be the way they are and who says so? She was never content with the status quo, and made sure to protest over every inequity that she found... from sexual abuse to inadequate education for public school students to political injustice.

Along the way, she inspired numerous others to follow in her footsteps. I know she touched my life deeply, and I’m so grateful. It makes me realize how we all can make a difference in the lives of others... just by reaching out to show we care.

Here’s a lyrical parody tribute to her that I wrote on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Several of my girlfriends got together and we sang this song to her over lunch, using the tune of the song, “Mame.”

You coax a smile wherever you go – Bobbi

Your love transforms the people you know -- Bobbi.

You’ve got the gift for giving – that touches every heart along the way,

It’s just your way of living… that makes the most of every single day.

You make each meal delicious and great – Bobbi. A gourmet masterpiece on a plate – Bobbi.

Each mouth starts salivating – each time we realize your food is near,

You make us feel alive again, you’ve given us the drive again, To make each heart revive again – Bobbi.

You change each stranger into a friend – Bobbi. Your generosity knows no end – Bobbi.

Your humor lifts our spirits, there’s sparkle in most ev’rything you do,

Your witty writing needs to be published so the world can honor you!

You play piano with such a flair, Bobbi. The Gershwin boys would sit up and stare, Bobbi.

Though you may say you’re “80,” you’ve just an ageless lady to us all,

Your special fascination will -- prove to be inspirational, We think you’re just sensational - BOBBI!

********************************************************************************************************

I believe each person comes into our lives for a reason.

I’m glad to have been given such a caring, loving, and inspirational friend like Bobbi.

Bobbi, thank you for your special spirit that made such a difference in the lives of others. Love never dies... and so for myself and everyone here, we will keep you in our heart always.

Until we see each other again -- may God bless you and keep you surrounded by love, joy and laughter.

6+_7S