Lillian “Lily” Bandak passed away on September 11, 2021 in the company of her loving family at Saint Francis Hospital. After nearly 40 years of living with Multiple Sclerosis, she died from complications of long term paralysis.

Lily was preceded in death by her parents Issa and Carmen, and numerous other beloved family members. Lily is survived by her brother, Sami Bandak (Maja); sister, Diana Bandak; brother, George Bandak; nephew and godson Issa Moe (Jessica); niece Lisa Papada (Mike); and nephews Michal Bandak (Franziska), Nik Bandak (Kelly), and Patrik Bandak.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Saint Francis Hospital who cared for Lily at the end of her life. We also wish to acknowledge the countless aides and attendants who have provided Lily with support over the years. We are grateful for all the time you spent with Lily ensuring her health and wellbeing. Specifically, we want to acknowledge Nancy Lemus who worked doggedly to extend Lily’s life through diligent care and dedication to maintaining the quality of Lily’s life for as long as possible. Words are not enough to convey our gratitude.

Lily was born on July 31, 1948 in Amman, Jordan into a Palestinian family from Bethlehem. In the 1960’s Lily immigrated to the US with her family where they settled in Newark, DE.

Lily’s was a gifted artist and world-class photographer with incredible vision and the tenacity to pursue her passion despite adversity. She had impeccable timing—making connections that granted her special access to people and places that were out of reach for so many.

Lily was a student of the world and global citizen. She traveled extensively, studying and teaching photography.  Lily focused her camera’s lens on beautiful cultural and historically relevant subjects.  She captured prominent Arab leaders, including Kings and Queens, Sheiks and Sheikahs, and historical and cultural sites that today no longer exist as well as those that remain unchanged.  Lily’s work is known internationally, and is featured in the permanent collection at the White House.

In 1983, at the height of her career, Lily was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Lily eventually required the use of a wheelchair, and although her hands no longer could control a camera in the same way, Lily refused to abandon her passion for photography.  She continued pursuing her life’s through the use of a wheelchair with a mounted camera and other assistive technology—this time with a new perspective.

Lily recognized her extreme fortune to have received the technology she required to adapt to the limitations imposed upon her by the ravages of MS. She also recognized that others, especially in the Arab world, were not as fortunate. Disability at that time was viewed as a disqualifier.

Lily refused to accept that and set about not just telling people what assistive technology could do for the sons and daughters of the Middle East, but showing them by her own example. Through her talent for networking and photography, Lily brought important leaders into her world. She earned their respect and admiration.  In that way, she paved the path forward for those who were to follow. She advocated for everything from accessible public spaces to assistive technology.

Lily undertook a number of initiatives over the years to chip away at the barriers to society that others in her position faced. Although it is difficult to quantify the impact that her efforts have had, one thing is for certain—Lily embodied the notion that it only takes a single match to light the darkness.

Although Lily’s spark has left us, her light remains. We are heartbroken to say goodbye but we are incredibly humbled and thankful to have been a witness to and a part of Lily’s life.

A celebration of Lily’s life will be held on Saturday, September 25th, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church – Newark, 292 W Main Street, Newark, DE where family and friends may start visiting at 11:00 a.m. The family requests that all in attendance wear masks.  Zoom meeting I.D. to be released.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to [go fund me].