1938
2017
Lorraine "Lila" Thal, Advocate for Disability Rights, 1938-2017
Lorraine "Lila" Thal, passed away at home in the early morning hours of December 31st, 2017 after a battle with lymphoma. She was 79 years old. A long time advocate with a powerful sense of social justice, her friends and colleagues frequently described her as "quiet but strong."
Born Lorraine Gringer on September 9, 1938 at the Jewish General Hospital of Montréal to Herschel "Harry" and Betty Gringer (née Rosenkrantz) Jewish immigrants. Along with her older sister, Geraldine, they lived in the Plateau-Mont-Royal arrondissement.
Lorraine often attributed her commitment to social justice to her family's associations, including membership with the Canadian branch of the left-wing Yiddish culture and mutual aid society, The Workmen's Circle (Der Arbeter Ring). The Gringer sisters grew up trilingual, speaking English, French, and Yiddish.
After graduating high school, Lorraine attended Concordia University in Montréal to study teaching, but did not complete her degree. During this time she traveled to Israel, spending time on a kibbutz and visiting a cousin who had survived the Holocaust. Because of her parents' distrust of airplanes, she traveled by boat while taking in many ports of call on the way. After returning, she followed Geraldine to New York City and lived in Manhattan while working at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
On Valentine's Day, 1966 she attended a dance with friends in Brooklyn Heights where she met her future husband, Jay Thal, a case worker for New York City Welfare Department. In 1967 Jay secured appointment as a Federal Management Intern and chose a job with the newly formed Department of Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D.). Lorraine proposed marriage and the two were wed on September 24, 1967 in a Greenwich Village synagogue. They moved into in an apartment across from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.. Lorraine took a job with International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Lorraine was naturalized as a U.S. Citizen on December 10, 1968.
The Thals moved into their home in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C. in 1970 in anticipation of the birth of first son, Ian. Their second son, Adam, was born in 1974 with developmental disabilities, which spurred Lorraine into her role as an advocate for the rights of disabled people – both children and adults.
With a dedicated phone line, an answering machine, and a typewriter in the house's second floor sunroom, Lorraine carved out a role as the Information and Referral Specialist for the District of Columbia Chapter of the National Learning Disabilities Association and was a co-editor of Helping Your Learning Disabled Child in the District of Columbia.
This was work she continued to do even after both sons were in school and she began to work outside the house as well, serving several years as a legal assistant with Ralph Nader's Freedom of Information Clearinghouse. Later she was a youth employment counselor with Community for Careers, and then held a series of administrative and office support and management positions at Parents' Campaign for Handicapped Children and Youth; Sentencing Services; the D.C. Jewish Community Center; and EHG National Health Services.
Starting as a volunteer with National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.), she was hired as an administrative assistant and eventually became Program Officer in the interfaith Religion and Disability Program and Coordinator of the Accessible Congregations Campaign.
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) covers accessibility to public accommodations but also exempted religious organizations. Lorraine's portfolio was to work with congregations, faith groups, and seminaries to encourage them to voluntarily comply with Title III. As a strong believer in the notion that "a ramp is not enough" her work also included working with religious organizations not just to eliminate physical obstacles to worship, but to work towards creating welcoming and inclusive communities and congregations. During this time, with her N.O.D. colleague Ginny Thornburgh, she co-edited Ian Evison's Money and Ideas: Creative Approaches to Congregational Access. She often represented N.O.D. at conferences.
A particular source of pride stemming from her work at N.O.D. was how her colleagues spearheaded the effort and raised the funds for the inclusion of a statue at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial presenting FDR in the wheelchair that he had designed for his own use. The statue, by sculptor Robert Graham, was unveiled in 2001 – four years after the Memorial's 1997 dedication.
Lorraine's strong appreciation for the arts manifested in frequent gallery visits (the Hirschhorn Museum and National Gallery were particular favorites) exposing both of her sons to the arts at an early age. This was a profound impact on her eldest son, Ian, who is currently a theater critic and playwright based in the Boston area. Meanwhile, her dedication to the dignity of all people, regardless of ability, contributed greatly to Adam developing the skills to live independently.
When Jay retired from H.U.D., he continued his social responsibilities by serving as Precinct Captain, and Early Voting Coordinator for the Board of Elections as well as taking over cooking duties in the home, allowing Lorraine to further dedicate herself to her career.
After their sons moved out of the home, Lorraine and Jay enjoyed traveling, to Argentina, Austria, China, The Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Turkey.
Lorraine eventually retired from N.O.D. after fourteen years of service. Her preference though was never to draw attention to herself, but to the causes she worked to advance as an advocate behind the scenes. Following her retirement she maintained a healthy lifestyle engaging in YMCA-led Fit and Well for seniors programs.
Lorraine is survived by her husband and both sons. Donations can be made in her name to the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH), which serves clients of all faiths, and where Adam lives in an apartment.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Joseph Gawler's Sons, LLC.
January 26, 2018
Friend
David Gantt
I will miss Lila's smile so much at our Monday movies at the Chevy Chase Library. She was always so kind and thoughtful, I know this is a devastating time for all who knew her. My thoughts are with Jay and the family.
January 17, 2018
Dale Brown
The disability community mourns the loss of Lorraine Thal. Known for her high quality work, she contributed tremendously to the empowerment of people with disabilities. She will be missed by all.
Dale Brown (Washington DC)
January 13, 2018
Patricia Ortman
Lila was a good and lovely person, and I enjoyed the time I spent with her. I will always remember, especially, our movie outings. I am so sorry for your loss.
January 10, 2018
Winnifred
Sincere condolence to the Thal family. While words fail to capture the pain of losing your beloved Lorraine, you can look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our Heavenly Father return your dear one soon. Hosea 13:14 , Isaiah 30:18. In the meantime, may our Heavenly Father, and cherished memories strengthen you to cope at this time.
January 10, 2018
Ann P.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 10, 2018
Niki
Jay,
Our condolences and prayers to you and your sons.
Niki and Konstantine.
January 10, 2018
She will be missed by all.
January 8, 2018
Dear Jay. I am so sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute to a lovely person. The scrabble bunch and I send our deepest sympathies. Loretta Kiron
January 7, 2018
Michael Brown
Dear Jay,
My condolences go out to you and your sons on the passing of Lila. Her work as a champion for the disabled will long be remembered. You have my deepest sympathy.
Senator Michael D. Brown
January 7, 2018
Karen Zuckerstein
Jay, I was saddened to learn of Lorraine's death. She accomplished much during her life.
January 6, 2018
David Coleman
Jay,
Soloni and I extend our heartfelt condolences on your loss. The obituary is beautifully written and provides a window into Lila.
David & Soloni
January 6, 2018
Karen Szklany Gault
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Ian and Adam! She sounds like she was a very amazing person and I would have loved to have met her.
January 6, 2018
Carolyn Cook
We are so so very sorry to hear this sad news of Lorraine's passing. She in her own quiet way was a brave and committed advocate for persons with disabilities. I will appreciate even more visiting FDR's memorial knowing that the larger than life statue of the President in his wheelchair was through Lorraine's work and others. I liked Lila from the moment I met her at Club 60+. She was a very kind and sensitive soul and I'm so glad that she could enjoy her community center in retirement and the company of other seniors. She will truly be missed.
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