2003 – Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Lil Erdeljan was born in Belgrade to a Serbian father and Jewish mother who escaped Yugoslavia’s Communist regime in the early 50s to start a new life in Canada. She grew up, was educated, married and started a family in Windsor, Canada. In 1989 a business opportunity precipitated a move to the United States when her husband, Alex, participated in the purchase of the R.P. Scherer Corporation and became its president and CEO. Shortly after the move, Lil was diagnosed with breast cancer, a life-changing experience and a catalyst for redefining her personal goals. During her recovery, Lil met a small group of women who were promoting the philosophy of hospice care in Michigan. It was her first introduction to charitable organizations and fund raising. The Women’s Committee for Hospice Care (WCHC) now numbers 560 volunteers and has distributed in excess of $3 million to hospices. Lil was a two term president of WCHC and has served on the board for 13 years. Other involvements include: support and fundraising for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Oakland Family Services, The Lighthouse, Cornerstone Schools, Cranbrook Academy of Arts and the Detroit Zoo. Lil has chaired Women’s Health Expo and is a board member of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Foundation, Michigan Opera Theatre, Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan and the Michigan Humane Society. She’s a lifelong member of Hadassah-Wizo and a member of the International Women’s Forum. In addition, she co-manages the family foundation with her husband. Lil has a son, two daughters and five grandchildren. She and Alex reside in Bloomfield Hills.
