Lillian Carson, born Lillian Adele Gershenson on March 22, 1933, had a remarkable life and death.
She died at home, at age 92 on Nov. 12, 2025, and in the hours before narrated some of this obituary to her three children and son-in-law who surrounded her until the peaceful end.
She grew up on the lot of Universal Pictures where her father Joseph Gershenson was a film producer, orchestra leader, and headed the music department. Her mother Helen Tucker-Gershenson, was an actress.
Lillian was the first female student body president at North Hollywood High. She was chosen by Temple Beth Hillel of San Fernando Valley to represent the new Jewish community as the Purim Queen Esther, but declined. Then when pushed further, she relented.
Her BA, MA and Ph.D. degrees from UCLA are all in the field of social work. In 1970 she established a thriving private practice while consulting to the Santa Monica Child Development Centers and other child-centric social services.
Invited by Anna Freud to study for a year at Hampstead Clinic, she presented and participated in a seminar on The Study and Use of the Diagnostic Profile. Later, she chaired the Santa Barbara Girls Incorporated and served on the National Board.
Lillian participated in Betty Friedan’s Think Tank, and was a founding member of Dr. Diana Meehan’s Institute for the Study of Women and Men at USC.
Lillian’s book “The Essential Grandparent: A Guide to Making a Difference” won a Parent’s Choice Award, and “The Essential Grandparent’s Guide to Divorce: Making a Difference in the Family” won a Bronze award for best self-help book.
She travelled the country on book and speaking tours including stints on CNN and other notable outlets.
In her words, Lillian had three “wonderful husbands.” Her first marriage was to Don Gevirtz with whom she had three children. The second was to Ralph Carson who she said she “hopes to see soon.” Her last was for 29 years to Samuel Hurst IV.
Lillian cared most about relationships and connection. Throughout her life she made courageous choices and guided clients, friends and her children to live according to what gave their lives meaning and not what was socially acceptable or expected.
She is survived by her three children Carrie Gevirtz-Wicks (Craig Wicks), Steve Gevirtz, Susan Gevirtz; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In her last hours Lillian said, “I have tremendous gratitude for the beautiful life I have lived and for my beautiful children and grandchildren. I am surrounded by love.”
Lillian did not want a shiva or a memorial. If you’re moved to donate in her honor, she requested it be sent to Visiting Nurses (Hospice) Santa Barbara, or https://join.compassionandchoices.org/a/donate-today?