Obituary

Ruth Berkowitz (nee Ostrow), age 92, of Chicago, affectionately known as “The Bubbe” by her family, passed away, comfortably and peacefully with her family and her caretaker angels, Grace Evjen and Fe Catalano, at her side, and, of course, to her favorite music, on Sunday, December 24, 2023, 13 Tevet 5784. Bubbe is preceded in death by her cherished husband of 65 years, best friend, and eternal dance partner, Darwin Berkowitz (z”l). She is survived by her adoring children, Richard (Tammy) Berkowitz, Michele Levitt (Bill Urbanus), Michael (Leslie) Berkowitz, Sandi Berkowitz and her six adoring grandchildren, Daniel, Rebecca (Tim Obney), Joshua (Farran), Zachary (Kristen), Noah, Aaron and her great grandchildren Margot, Anthony, and Nolan. Bubbe loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly. Devoted daughter of the late Rose (nee Fedman) and Philip Ostrow, dear sister of the late Gertrude Small, Julius Ostrow and Leo Ostrow. Bubbe’s family and friends and her Jewish culture were the most important things in the world to her. Bubbe grew up on the Vest Side of Chicago where she attended Marshall High School and was, as Bubbe legend tells us… using her unique grip…the JPI ping pong champion.… Bubbe was a kind and gentle soul and her favorite things in life were being with Darwin and spending time with and shuttling grandchildren to and watching their various school and sporting events. Bubbe always showed up. There wasn’t a crossword puzzle she couldn’t handle, she could sweep second base like no other Bubbe, her “bissel of this and a bissel of that” meatballs and brisket are legendary…often imitated…never duplicated…and she denies sabotaging any recipes…Bubbe will be missed as she joins Papa on the dance floor in heaven…dance all night Bubbe, dance all night… Private Graveside Funeral services will be livestreamed at 2 pm from Shalom Memorial Park, Arlington Heights, Illinois on Wednesday December 27, 2023. For information and a link to view the service online, visit www.shalommemorial.org or call 847-255-3520 In lieu of flowers please make donations to Keshet 610 Academy Drive Northbrook, Illinois 60062 or www.Keshet.org.

Service Information

Service : Wednesday, December 27th at 2:00 pm
Service Location: Private Service -Shalom Memorial Park

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Guest Book & Memories

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December 27th, 2023

I always remember Ruth being in the kitchen, in the heart of the house, and that’s who she was the heart of things. She never spoke tons, but on occasion when I was lucky to be with her alone we would have some quiet conversations about life and what was going on with our lives and family. She was the best observer of her family and dearly loved each of them.

~Dawn Dobrzynski
~Sister of her daughter-in-law, Orland Park,IL

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