Michelle Reitman

November 6th, 2025

I was only able to meet Michelle in person once. It was at her Aunt Millie’s funeral services. We spoke online and exchanged Hanukkah cards. She was so gentle. Very caring with her sister, Faith.

~Sherri Rochester & Bruce Reitman
~Inlaw and cousin, McClure OH

October 31st, 2025

I remember Michelle from our days substituting at Niles North High School. She was always friendly despite her multitiude of health issues and family concerns. The director of the group was very sad to learn of her passing. May her memory be for a blessing.

~Warshausky, Merle D
~Friend, Lincolnwood, Illinois

October 29th, 2025

This is from my Facebook Post:

Received some very sad news today–my former college roommate, Michelle Reitman (1969-2025) passed away on Oct. 17. I was unaware that she had passed until today when I called the Skokie Police Department for a welfare check. The operator told me that they had been called out to her residence a few weeks ago and that she had subsequently passed away.
Those of us who were her college friends really had no way of knowing this as nothing was posted on her Facebook page. I deeply regret not calling her earlier this month to see how she was doing! The memorial service took place on Friday, Oct. 24 with arrangements by Shalom Memorial Funeral Home 1700 W. Rand Road Arlington Heights IL– https://www.shalommemorial.org/…/Michelle_Reitman/feed/…
There is a livestream link to watch the graveside service. I just wish something had been posted on her Facebook page so her friends would have known.
Michelle Reitman was a very close friend of mine, having lived together during our sophomore year of college (NIU 1989-1990). We helped each other out as roommates. I wanted a nice quiet non-partyer non-drama queen roommate and she wanted to move onto the music floor in Gilbert Hall, because the 3rd floor where she had lived was closing. We developed a deep respect for each others’ religion–she was sick of people trying to convert her away from Judaism and I was sick of people trying to convert me away from Catholicism! We celebrated each other’s birthdays and always wished each other a Merry Christmas or Happy Hannukah!
She was always happy for me, cheered me on during college and was genuinely interested in my life after college, when I got married and then had Cara and Ian. My kids called her Aunt Michelle and she was always very happy to be included in our family birthday parties.
Michelle was a TRUE friend, never jealous, always on my side, always there for me when I would call her stressed out or upset. She found joy in chronicling her friends’ life events always with a camera in hand. I returned from my honeymoon in 1999 to find Michelle had shot at least two rolls of film and sent the photos to me!! This was the only way to see our wedding photos MONTHS before the official wedding photos were available!
In recent years, we’d visit her in Skokie and try to fix things around her apartment, help her organize things and get some groceries or a meal for her. I really wish we had lived closer so I could have done more to help.
I often joke that Michelle may be the only Jewish saint as she survived living with me–a feat only my parents, sister and husband have endeavored!
I will miss our phone calls and visits TREMENDOUSLY!! Michelle was such a sweet loving friend and I take some comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and is reaping her eternal reward!!
REST IN PEACE, dear Michelle!!

~Lynne Conner
~College roommate, Rockford

October 24th, 2025

Memories of holidays our families spent together. Some of my favorites.
May you RIP

~Joelle E Cullen
~Cousin, Bellevue

October 23rd, 2025

She loved being with people, and taking their pictures. The family photographer. She held many memories of our gatherings.
May she rest in peace and be remembered well.

~Barry & Gayle Reitman
~Cousins, Skokie, Illinois