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Merle "Mickie" Silverstein

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University of Chicago

Merle Silverstein Obituary

Merle "Mickie" Block Silverstein, 77, of Highland Park, IL. died March 2, 2015 near her son Richard's home in Minnesota after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Mickie was the daughter of the late Leigh "Kai" and Mildred Block of Chicago and is survived by four sons, Richard (Colleen), William (Amy), Jonathan (Tracey), and Andrew (Jennifer) and seven grandchildren: Sarah, Rachel, David, Jacob A., Jacob T., Jessica and Joshua. She also is survived by her sister Natalie van Straaten, her former husband Gerald Silverstein and many loving nieces and nephews. A former school teacher, Mickie championed children's rights working for Voices for Illinois Children; she fought for women's rights as an activist with the League of Women Voters, and after earning a Masters Degree in Art History at the University of Chicago, she worked in the Department of Museum Education at The Art Institute of Chicago, directing senior and intergenerational programs and as a lecturer. Mickie's radiant smile, charm and warmth will be greatly missed by family and friends. Private services will be held for the family. There will be a commemorative event in Chicago in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mickie Silverstein Endowment Fund at the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Published by Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from Mar. 7 to Mar. 12, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Merle Silverstein

17 Entries

Aurora Danai

October 8, 2021

Mickie was incredibly kind to me and invited me to participate in the Art Insights program as well as Elderhostel program as a teaching artist at only 19 years of age. It was an incredible honor to serve in this way and I met and formed enriching relationships with wonderful people of all ages from Chicago I never would have met - seniors who told me in some cases never before heard stories of their own personal relationships with historical artists. This was an incredible lesson for me to learn to listen to and carry on the wisdom of our elders. Also she made my dream come true of teaching art inside the museum. I deeply appreciate and have tried to carry forward her legacy and spirit of community, and especially respect and honor of marginalized people, as well as creating institutional bridges for their empowerment. Her work with the Blind Service Association and blind museum patron tours, as well as the touch gallery was inspired. It has been interesting to learn from this memorial all that she was involved in! I am very grateful to have met her and been impacted by her loving kindness. Sincerely, Aurora Danai

Christiane Birkert

September 3, 2015

I just found out about Mickie's death searching for a contact adress to send her Rosh ha-Shanah greetings...

Mickie made a lasting contribution to my life - she set the foundation for my museum career when I worked as an 12-months-intern for her at the Art Institute of Chicago (1993-1994). She was a wonderful tutor - I learned so much from her not only about museum education and life long learning but about life! ...and I always think of her when I read "Go, dog. Go!" to my two sons which she send to us 7 years ago...

Sheila and Lance Schiller

April 3, 2015

We are so deeply saddened to hear about Mickie
She was such a wonderful person who gave so much to everyone who knew her
The world is truly less with her not in it
I might have lost touch with her and her family over the past few years and for that I am very sorry,but Mickie has always been in my thoughts and heart
She was a very close friend and I have missed her for a long time
Our deepest condolences to Natalie and to Mickie's sons
Mickie was so proud of you all

March 15, 2015

Mickie made all who touched he better. A very special friend to Barbara and I as well as our family. Her spjirit lives on in her boys and the entire family. My condolences to all. Words cannot express my feelings...My sincere condolences to the entire Silverstein family. Bob Sharfman

March 15, 2015

Just learned of Mickey's death. She was such a special friend to Barbara and then to me that words seem inadequate to express my feelings. The world is a better place because of Mickey and I am a better person for having her in my life. She lives on in each of you. Bob Sharfman 312 337 2829

March 13, 2015

Mickie was my best friend from our first day in our new school.We were going to grow old together.If we were separated in life we would meet under the Marshall Field Clock 50 years later.I lost her years ago.She was my angel,I needed her to fly with me because she was my other wing.May her memory be a blessing to all of us.Love,Paula & Seymour Rosen

March 11, 2015

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Silverstein family. Mickie was a breath of fresh air, that brought a touch of sunshine to all those who were blessed to have met her.

Nina Lipkin

March 11, 2015

Dear Natalie and Family,
I too miss Mickie's friendship, and wonderful smile.

William Caro, MD

March 10, 2015

I am so saddened by this news. Many years ago Mickie and Jerry Silverstein and my late wife Ruth and I were the closest of friends and did so many things together. And I remember wonderful birthday parties at the terrific Highland Park home just off the lake. I send the boys (not such young sons now) and Natalie my deepest sympathies and all good wishes.

March 10, 2015

Dear Mickie's Family, Mickie was a wonderful friend to all of us who knew her at the Art Institute. ,Her dedication with so much enthusiasm and love for the progrms she was involved in was exceptional she was special all along the way I share the sadness of all who had the pleasure of knowing her over many years. Mary Teschner AIC docent and Senior Programs

Barbara Hinde

March 9, 2015

Mickie's good spirit and sense of humor will be remembered by so many.

Andrea Waytz

March 9, 2015

Dear Natalie and Family, I'm so sorry to hear about Mickie's passing. It's been a while since I've seen her and thought of her and you often. Remember those summer's?
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Andrea Waytz Berk from Campbell Avenue

March 8, 2015

Mickie provided. For me a most fulfilling life by originally involving me from the very beginning of art insights. We will be celebrating our20th anniversary thanks to Mickie many of us art insights volunteers have had a very enriched life working with seniors. Charlotte hadley

Marina Tatar

March 8, 2015

To Mickie's family:
Micke was a wonderful, intelligent and accomplished person. She made a lasting contribution with her family, her special causes and interests in the community, her friendships and her creativity at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Please let us know when there is a memorial service.

Marina and Arnold Tatar

March 8, 2015

May the memories of hr joyful spirit overshadow the ravages of Alzheimers...Our prayers are with you...Marilyn and Tony Bomarito

Richard Silverstein

March 8, 2015

Dear Mom,

You were a little lady that saw the world for how big it was. You fought for the underdogs your whole life. I am grateful to have been one of your underdogs. You were the embodiment of honesty, integrity, generosity, family, passion, conviction and caring. You made this world a better place through that giant heart of yours. Kudos mom, everything you touched got better. You will always be in my heart (and many others)your adventures continue...

Your loving son, Rich

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