Lillian Helene Schuman

Lillian Brown was born Halina Broniatowska in Czestochowa, Poland. She immigrated with her family to California at age 4.

Several years later, she married Adolf (Arthur) Schuman, and co-founded Lilli Ann Couture. The two were quite philanthropic and were close friends with the Kennedy family during JFK's presidency. The company had a large role in rebuilding Europe's textile industries after ww2.

• Lilli Ann Wikipedia
• Lilli Ann the fashion company was started in 1934 in two rented rooms with $800 in borrowed money. In 1982, Lilli Ann reported retail sales of $40 million.

The company's purchase of huge quantities of fabrics helped revitalize the war-ravaged French and Italian textile industries in the early 1950's. Owner Adolph Schuman was named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by France and received the Order of the Legion of Merit from Italy.

Liberal Democrats, the Schumans frequently held big fund-raising dinners and parties at his Nob Hill condominium.

Mayor Dianne Feinstein described Lillian and Adolph Schuman as special friends of the Kennedys who could always be relied upon to support progressive political leaders everywhere. (adapted)