Lucille Martha Ablan (1928-2004)

By Andrew I. Killgore


	Lucille Ablan (Courtesy Paul Ablan.)

LUCILLE ABLAN did not know us personally at the American Educational Trust, yet she named the Trust as a residuary beneficiary in her Last Will and Testament. She knew us only from the pages of our magazine, the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, which has been telling the truth about the Middle East for the past 26 years.

We are deeply grateful for Ms. Ablan’s generosity and for her belief in our integrity and dedication to the cause of justice for the Palestinians. We have learned what a great and good woman she was from Paul M. Ablan of Eagan, Minnesota, her first cousin once removed.

Lucille, the only child of Lebanese immigrants, lived all her life in St. Paul, Minnesota and was a graduate of the University of Minnesota. She spoke fluently both English and Arabic. She was never married and had no children, but her cousin Paul said she had countless and diverse friends and interests throughout her life.

Lucille was a very strong woman, yet gentle and understanding to all. Her father was an articulate advocate for the rights of the Palestinians, a cause which was carried on by Lucille. From her father she also learned the work ethic, the frugality, and discipline to run a successful business. When her father died in 1962 she continued, and even expanded, the business of selling imported linen and clothing until just a few years before her death. The wealth she has so generously donated to the Washington Report represents the toil, sacrifice, forbearance and intelligence of Lucille Ablan and her father, Joseph Ablan.

Lucille had myriad friends and interests. She belonged to the Women’s City Club of St. Paul as well as the International Institute, and served as general chairman of the Arabic Speaking Group at the 1958, 1961 and 1964 Festival of Nations. She also was a member of American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), Americans for Middle East Understanding, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and the Council for the National Interest.

Lucille Ablan was a gentle and effective teacher of the history, politics and culture of the land of her ancestors. She was baptized as an infant into the Antiochian (Syrian) Orthodox Church, and was known by all as one of faith and spirituality.

Andrew I. Killgore is publisher of the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs.