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Charlotte "Char" Garfinkel passed away in her home on February 4, 2016 in Oak Park, Illinois due to pancreatic cancer. She was 91. Born on July 2, 1924 in Chicago to Rose and Leonard Axelrod, Char was married to her best friend, Norman, who died in 2007, a devoted wife for over 60 years. She graduated from Austin High, attended Herzl Junior College, and went on to become an office manager, bookkeeper, secretary, wonderful stay-at-home mom, and tireless partner with Norm in his pharmacy business. Charlotte was a unique human being who had the uncanny knack, and kind heart, to befriend all who came into her circle of life. She would meet a stranger, and on their first meeting make them feel like they were family, or had a best friend if they needed one. She was overwhelmed by how many people reached out to show their love and support after her cancer diagnosis. Charlotte was an avid supporter of the theater with many subscriptions, never missing a good play. A charter member of the East Bank Club, she especially enjoyed her three times weekly water aerobics class followed by lunches with friends and exercise buddies.Char is survived by her daughter Donna (Donald) Riley, son George (Lynn) Garfinkel, beloved grandchildren Amelia (Adam) Reimel, Brian Garfinkel, Benjamin Riley, and cherished great grandchild Felicity Rose Reimel. She is also survived by brother Sidney Axelrod, sister-in-law and lifelong friend Ina Garfinkel Winer, and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her sister Lillian (Bernie) Cutler, their son Marvin, brother-in-law Al Winer, sisters-in-law Shirley (Marty) Begun, Yetta (Morris) Eddis and Eileen Axelrod. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the state of Israel, Season's Hospice in Des Plaines, IL, The Foundation for Cultural Review in New York, NY or any charity of your choice. Graveside services will be held at 10:30am Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Waldheim Cemetery Gate 42 off of Des Plaines Ave, Forest Park, Illinois. For information call Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home 847-256-5700
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2 Entries
Charlotte' s positive attitude and smile lit up the locker room @ East Bank Club for many decades. May her spirit live on w/all our wonderful memories of this lovely lady!
Peggy Morrison/ Kirsner
February 8, 2016
Charlotte was an extraordinary woman. We shared many a story as we moisturized and put make up on together at East Bank Club. I will miss her generous spirit and smile, her stories about her children, grandchildren and great grandchild. She loved not only her family, but most everyone who had the pleasure to meet her. She was a blessing to me. I will miss her very much. To her family and friends, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of such a beautiful woman and spirit.
Liane Troy
February 6, 2016
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