Adele Gutman

Adele Gutman, age 96, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. She had a smile that could light up a room and loved to share a meal, a story and a laugh with her large circle of family and friends. She was born in Dover, Delaware and attended the University of Delaware where she fell in love with her husband, Dr Arnold Gutman. Graduating with a theatre major, Adele directed and acted in plays, with "The Solid Gold Cadillac" being her favorite. A dazzling beauty, she was a runner up in the Miss Delaware beauty pageant and later appeared on television shows including "The Ed McMahon Show" at WCAU-TV in Philadelphia where she worked as a copywriter. When Adele and Arnie moved to the Chicago area with their 3 small children, Adele focused on raising the family, still staying active in community and social organizations. She served as President of Chicago's North Shore branch of the American Association of University Women, and volunteered at the Hadley School for the Blind, where she was later employed in the student services department. Adele was the beloved wife and best friend of the late Dr. Arnold Gutman, and a loving mother of Brenda (Cory Berish) Smith, Steven (Catherine), and Daniel (Diane). Adele was a cherished "G-Ma" to Andrew Smith, Julia (Andrei) Dragni, Amy Gutman, Alec (Mashiat M) Gutman, Lana (Richard C) Copeland, Charlie Copeland, and Lucas Gutman, and a much-loved great-grandmother to Alina and Andrei. Adele was truly a beautiful woman who made friends easily, was always active and social, and greatly enjoyed good company and a good meal. She will be dearly missed by her friends and extended family. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the charity of your choice. Chapel service, Friday, January 23, 2026; 10 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For the link to view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.