Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Caryn Berman Obituary
Caryn Berman, 61, beloved wife for 36 years of Laura Cuzzillo, daughter of Rachel and the late Paul Berman, loving sister of Susan (Steven) Lapidus and Steven Berman, cherished aunt and great-aunt, and steadfast friend of so many, passed away on September 1, 2014, following a courageous 5-year struggle with ovarian cancer. Originally from Rosedale, N.Y., Caryn attended SUNY-Stony Brook, then worked for the federal Centers for Disease Control and was transferred to Chicago in 1976. She subsequently earned her A.M. from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and became an early leader in Chicago's LGBT community. Motivated by the death of a friend to AIDS in 1985, Caryn became an influential HIV/AIDS educator, policymaker, and service provider through her work with Center on Halsted (formerly Horizons Community Services), Heartland Alliance (formerly Travelers and Immigrants Aid), The AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In honor of her decades of compassionate leadership, she was awarded the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Award in 1995. Caryn subsequently became a Senior Manager at Deloitte. Friends, family and co-workers mourn the loss of a woman of singular courage, energy and passion. Donations in Caryn's memory may be made to the Foundation for Women's Cancer. For shiva information and future memorial service, contact Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Caryn Berman
5 Entries
Carol Zmuda
September 25, 2017
I met Caryn in the mid-80's. She was starting a small group of women interested in theater improvisation. What struck me most about her at that time was her can-do spirit and genuine passion for helping people. We became fast friends.
Later we lost touch and would rarely, and mostly accidentally, bump into each other at LGBT fund raisers or other events.
I am saddened by her passing, and my heart goes out to Laura and Caryn's family.
z
September 3, 2014
I did not personally know Caryn, but I remember hearing her speak at many conferences. She was charismatic and courageous and a great activist. My condolescences to her family and loved ones.
Diane Scholten
September 3, 2014
Caryn was my beloved friend for nearly 36 years. No words could possibly capture her enthusiam for life, her sense of humor, her straight-shooter approach. Caryn had a presence unlike any other. Her marriage with Laura has always been for me, the model of what love and marriage should look like. I will deeply miss my friend. Deepest condolences to Laura, Susan, Steve and all the family. She made a huge mark on life - and on me. With love.
Eileen Levy
September 3, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Caryn's death. She was such a wonderful friend and colleague during my time in Chicago and beyond, and I'm sad that we lost touch with each other over the years. My love and prayers go out to her beloved Laura, and I hope that you are sustained by the care and support of your loving community of family and friends. I will always hold sweet memories of Caryn in my heart.
Julie Kaufman
September 3, 2014
Laura, I met you years ago, back when Caryn still worked at UIC -- where I met her. Our offices were near each other -- as you know, she was quite an engaging person. I was so sorry to see her obituary in the paper this morning. I grieve with you, and all of her family and friends. My heart is with you both.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Caryn Berman's name
Memorial Events
for Caryn Berman
Funeral services provided by:
Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224
How to support Caryn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Caryn Berman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
