Phyllis Lid, Founder of Seguin Services for the Mentally Disabled. “Never give up” was her motto and her friend Mabel Two, who preceded her in death. Each was the mother of a retarded child. In the late 1940’s, there was nowhere in Berwyn for these children to be educated or trained. With dogged determination, and the support of their husbands, Charles Lid Sr. and Albert Two, they made many phone calls concerning the Superintendent of Schools, Kenneth Preston, the need for such a facility. They contacted business people, fraternal organizations and politicians, who came to their aide. They were able to secure a permanent building for their endeavors and the work began. The Mentally Retarded Children’s Aide, became Seguin Services. It has grown to an organization that serves over 150 clients. It now has a farm, a training center, homes spread through three communities, and numerous programs that help retarded citizens adapt to and cope with society. They also helped to change society’s attitudes toward mentally handicapped individuals in our community. Phyllis was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain family and friends. She was also a talented pianist. There were many gatherings that ended around the piano with singing and laughter. She worked as a Welcome Wagon Hostess, a long distance telephone operator in the Bell systems, and as a salesperson. She continued serving the mentally handicapped for many years as a volunteer at the Dixon State School for the Retarded. Phyllis was a member of the Antonie Cervenka Rebekah Lodge and a 60 year member of the Rebekah Juniors, as well as a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star #529, of Illinois. She had three children, Lucille (Anton) Balaja, Philip (Kay Hroch) Lid, and Charles Jr., deceased; five grandchildren, Christine (Robert) Slager, Tony (Diane Wisz) Balaja, James Balaja, Janine Lid and Charles Lid III; four great-grandchildren, Sarah and Kelsey Balaja, Rachel (James) Lee and Russell (Sandra Carr) Slager; and one greatgreat-grandchild, Nathaniel; dear sister of Lorraine (Ben) Mocek; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Friday, Oct. 13, from3 to 9 p.m. Services Saturday, Oct. 14, 2:00 p.m. at the Abram & Son Home For Funerals, 6910 Windsor, Berwyn, 708-788-1103
