Barbara A Naiditch

Barb Naiditch always put her family first. She had that selfless, motherly instinct, knowing exactly when to check in on her kids while giving them space. She would often help them with their elementary school homework, typing papers, left and right aligned, on her IBM Selectric. The quintessential team mom, she attended pretty much every one of their swim meets, skating competitions, chess matches, recitals, baseball games, and softball games.

Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, she attended Bloom High School and graduated in 1960 from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She went on to teach elementary school and volunteered as a Music Appreciation teacher at Meadowbrook Elementary. Fittingly, on long road trips she would lead the family band, playing the vocal violin, singing like lovely song.

In the 1970’s, while serving on the Board of Directors of Homeward Bound, a non-profit organization benefiting children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities, she worked with Senator Hubert Humphrey to build a loving, community-friendly home for her son Marty and others, a long-awaited alternative to institutionalization.

After moving to Highland Park, Illinois in 1981, Barb and her husband Ernie, sometimes fondly known as the proprietors of Hotel Naiditch, hosted numerous friends and relatives, often leading to legendary back yard parties.

Soon after the children left her home, Barb transitioned seamlessly into the internet era, buying so much on Amazon that they froze her account. In her later years, accustomed to fighting off the side effects of diabetes, she would take the battle to the virtual field, always aiming for the high score of the day in the World Championship of Solitaire.

Barb is reunited in spirit with her husband, Ernie Naiditch; her son, Marty Naiditch; and her sister, Esther Lamb. She is survived by her son, Mike Naiditch and his wife Sophy, of Chicago, IL; her daughter, Susie Mirman and her husband Rich, of Las Vegas, NV; five grandchildren, Zachary, Noah, Joshua, Nathan, and Eden; her sister, Jane Bangert; and many nieces and nephews.

Those who wish to remember Barb in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Homeward Bound https://www.hbimn.org/donate/, 12805 Highway 55 Suite 400, Plymouth, MN 55441 or the American Diabetes Association https://www.diabetes.org/. Private Service. For information, including a link to view the service or to leave condolences, Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, (847) 255-3520 or www.shalommemorial.org.

Service Information

Service : Monday, February 15th at 2:00 pm
Service Location: Private Service-Live Stream Access -Shalom Memorial Park

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand RoadArlington Heights