Phyllis Lid, 88, who founded an organization for mentally disabled children in the 1940s, died of heart failure Monday, Oct. 9, in her Cicero home. A Chicago native, Mrs. Lid and her husband, Charles Lid Sr., had three children, one of whom was developmentally disabled. When Charles Jr. reached school age, Mrs. Lid found few services available to help him. “There was absolutely nothing in that local community,” her daughter Lucille said. Mrs. Lid and a friend, Mabel Two, organized families with disabled children in the area and founded The Mentally Retarded Children’s Aid organization. With the support of politicians, fraternal associations and businesses, the group began running programs for the children in a church, then in Irving School in Berwyn during the summer. The organization flourished and became Seguin Services Inc., which now operates a farm, a training center and homes in three communities. Mrs. Lid volunteered for the organization for many years. “She was very compassionate,” her daughter said. “She always thought that there was something that could be done; she didn’t just give up on things.” Her son Philip said his mother “really relished being around other people and getting things done for those who were less fortunate.” Other survivors include a sister, Lorraine Mocek; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Abram & Son Home For Funerals, 6910 Windsor Ave., Berwyn.
