LUTFY, IDA C.

96, an iconic Phoenix floral designer and antique connoisseur peacefully passed away surrounded by family on October 12, 2009. Ida was born September 22, 1913, in Ray, Arizona. She was the sixth of eight children born to Moses B. and Wadiha Srour, Lebanese immigrants who ran a mercantile business. Throughout her life, Ida was a passionate artist who was known for her keen eye for antiques and talent for spectacular flower
arrangements. Ida was an accomplished artist in many ways; she was a pianist, painted on china and painted pictures using both oils and pastels. For decades, she was part of the famous trio of Lutfy sisters – Millie, Helen and Ida who owned and operated Millie’s Flowers and Gifts on Central near Fillmore in Phoenix. Millie’s was a gem of a shop and was the go-to place for special gifts and flower arrangements for the who’s who of young Phoenix. Ida’s astute business acumen and artistic flair led to Millie’s 60 years of business success.
When Ida was merely in her eighties, she shifted her focus to her lifelong love of antiques and opened Millie’s Antiques on Central near Camelback. It was there that she and her beloved dog, “ET,” would spend hours in the shop greeting fellow antique collectors on their quest for that perfect piece. Ida’s dedication and love of her work was matched only by her love and dedication to her family. She tirelessly cared for her mother and sisters and made sure everything was taken care of at “the shop.” To countless nieces and nephews, she was their beloved “Auntie” whose kind and gentle eyes were quick with a wink and a laugh and who could always be counted on for continuing family traditions by saying, “this is how we did it.”
Ida’s generosity extended beyond her family and friends as she would never turn away a person in need. From offering a job to simply providing a meal, Ida was consistent, yet quiet, in her generosity with others. Ida is preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Millie, Bill, Jimmy, Louis, Betty, Helen and Fred. She is survived by many nieces and nephews who will forever remember their beloved Auntie. Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home at 4800 E. Indian School Road. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 4715 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Ida C. Lutfy Arts Scholarship at the Xavier College Preparatory
Foundation, Inc., 4710 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85012.