obituaries » A ‘Shining Star’ for Act One, which intro- duces inner city kids to theater, Shelli Liebman Dorfman | Contributing Writer receiving the Luedders Award for her selfless devotion. eanor Reizen once indicated how THE ‘GRANDE DAME’ Nancy says her mom “was In 1965, the Reizens moved to she’d like to be remembered. a big believer in community Okemos, near Lansing, when “I want people to think lovingly service. She wrote scripts for Maurice accepted a position as and kindly of me — and to know that I fundraisers that benefited treasured all of them along with the laughter director of the Ingham County groups such as United Way, Health Department. and the fun we shared together,” Leanor Hadassah and the Boy Scouts Leanor worked at Lansing’s Leanor Reizen said, as recalled by her daughter, Nancy of America,” she said. Leanor WFMK radio as continuity Serlin. raised funds by serving on the director, also presenting news- A longtime actress, singer and dancer, community service board for casts and being featured in commercials and Channel 23, Public Television in Lansing, Leanor Reizen of Novi, formerly of public service spots. Huntington Woods and Okemos, died May and donated her skills and time to tape Over the years on the stage, she won the 13, 2016, at age 93, having succeeded in radio talking books for the blind. title of the “grande dame” and a “pillar” leaving her mark on family, friends and Because of her role with the Capital those she touched in the theater community of Lansing theater. She appeared in more Development Campaign Team that raised than 80 stage productions at venues includ- she was a part of for more than 60 years. money to relocate the Okemos Barn ing the BoarsHead Theater, the former Grandson Daniel Serlin noted, “My Theatre, Leanor bore the honorary title of Okemos Barn Theatre, Riverwalk Theatre, grandmother had sparkle — she lit up a “godparent.” Cherry County Playhouse with Rita Moreno, room when she walked in. She was a founder of the Riverwalk “Her laughter was always genuine, always Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, Thunder Theatre in Lansing, where her portrait Bay Theatre, True Grist Dinner Theater, contagious and full of joy.” hangs in the lobby and where she celebrated Grand Rapids Summer Fest, Timber Lake Leanor was born in Maine. Her par- her 90th birthday with the entire center sec- Playhouse, MSU Arena Theatre, Lansing ents, Henry and Mae Grossman, moved tion filled with her friends and fans. Civic Players and the Purple Rose Theatre the family to the Detroit area when she LOVE OF FAMILY with Jeff Daniels. was 13. Even before the move, to combat Nancy said that, considering all of her She received numerous awards for her Leanor’s shyness, her mother enrolled her mother’s involvement and passions, “she did in dance lessons and brought her to radio performances. all this while being a wonderful wife and Leanor did regular voice-over work and show auditions where she landed a spot mother and raising three children. She also was in the 2002 big screen production on the Hornberger Coal Company Kiddie had time to be a den mother and Girl Scout Super Sucker, a comedy about door-to-door Hour. leader for her kids and their friends.” Nancy vacuum salesmen, with Daniels. She also Leanor later attended Camp Arowhon refers to her mom as, “our shining star.” appeared in Offshore, filmed when she was in Ontario, performing in summer plays In later years, Leanor knit one-of-a-kind 83. When she participated in the making of and, at one point, acting opposite future an Eminem CD cover, she took Nancy along bedside afghans for each of her great-grand- star Lorne Greene (the patriarch on TV’s children. to be included in the production. Bonanza) in the Pirates of Penzance. “In her crowded life, family was first,” son At times, she and her son Bruce, also an Leanor received a degree in communi- Bruce said. actor and singer, worked together on audio cations from the University of Michigan, Leanor’s husband stressed the fun books and commercials, both on-camera where she was a member of the Phi Beta the two had, said Rabbi Amy Bigman and for radio. Kappa Society, and met her husband, Dr. of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in East She once even acted alongside her hus- Maurice Reizen, whom she married in 1943. Lansing, who officiated at the funeral. While raising their children, Mark, Nancy band when he drove her to a shoot for a “When I asked Maurice to describe how national commercial, and he was unexpect- and Bruce, in Huntington Woods, Leanor they successfully stayed married for 73 edly offered a part also. sang in a quartet. She performed with the years, he said there was a lot of love and a lot Ridgedale Players and, in the 1960s, facili- COMMUNITY SERVICE of humor,” the rabbi said. tated a radio show, interviewing actors who For 20 years Leanor volunteered as a docent Fun-loving, Leanor often took things one came to the Fisher Theatre. L Nibbles step further than most. She didn’t just have fond memories of camp, but took a train ride with Nancy to her 75th Camp Arowhon reunion, where she was the oldest former camper in attendance. “She had me take the canoe paddle she made when she was 13 years old,” Nancy said. She didn’t just watch a favorite racehorse on TV. “She went to Kentucky to see and pet Secretariat,” Nancy remembers. Always with a full social calendar, Leanor also worked for issues of importance. “She was a true feminist, fought for women’s rights and rights of others,” said daughter- in-law, Jen Reizen. “She believed in life — and that she did beautifully.” Great-granddaughter Leia Serlin said Leanor inspired her to sing and act. “She would greet us with her huge smile and colorful outfits,” said Leia, who loved to try on Leanor’s collection of hats and wigs. “The memories I have of her will stay with me forever and will always make me smile.” Leanor Reizen is survived by her husband, Dr. Maurice Reizen; sons and daughter-in-law, Mark and Jen Reizen of Howell, Bruce Reizen of Lansing; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Howard Serlin of Farmington Hills; grandchildren, Jason Reizen, Jennifer Matley, Daniel and Miry Serlin, and David and Dana Serlin; great- grandchildren, Andrew and Leia Serlin, Molly and Cameron Matley, Lucy and Olivia Serlin; sister-in-law, Alice Sklansky; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Leanor was the proud and loving great- grandmother of the late beloved Griffin Matley; the dear sister-in-law of the late Morris Sklansky. Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive, Lansing, MI 48933, www.riverwalktheatre. com; or Congregation Shaarey Zedek of Lansing, 1924 Coolidge Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, www.shaareyzedek. com. Arrangements were by Ira Kaufman Chapel. * Nuts We use the FRESHEST Kosher Bakery, Nuts, Chocolate & Fruits Same Day Local Delivery Nation Wide Delivery * 10 OFF CUSTOM SHIVA TRAYS $ 248.737.8088 150 May 26 • 2016 %BJSZt%FMJt$BOEZ/VUt1BTUSZ *With Purchase of Any Tray over $50 NIBBLESandNUTS.com 2060330 Northwestern Highway Store NOW OPEN! Feature your business with OyWhataDeal to acquire quality and eager new customers via risk-free and highly-targeted marketing. 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