Lydia Reich

February 7th, 2021

i have fond memories of lydia and jack. lydia was a force of nature. her survival, her commitment to making sure she and jack recreated a family to replace what was lost, her efforts to memorialize her story so it could stand as a first person account so the events should never be forgotten, and of course her commitment to parkinsons so that others may not need to suffer as jack did, as well as the care she gave him through his illness, all speak to how well she used the extra time granted her. my favorite picture of her is with Muhammed Ali, mostly because i think i know which of the two in the photo was the strongest.

~lawrence f layfer
~physician, WILMETTE

January 4th, 2021

I read her book which totally left me so sad about her holocaust experience. Her daughter Jeanie has talked about her mother many times over the years. I loved her spirit and admired her strength.

~Francee
~Jeanie is my sister-in-law, Manteca,Ca.

January 4th, 2021

To Lydia’s children:
Jeanie, Joey, Belle, Cindy and your wonderful spouses and children I want to tell you how sorry I am at the passing of your Mother. She was a strong presence in my life from the first time Dan took me to her and your home on I believe Kimball Ave. in Chicago. She was warm and friendly with a beautiful smile. She was very welcoming to me. She was a home for Dan and Gad and she made room for me too.

I know the last years were not easy for you but you were blessed to have her and your beloved Dad, Yaacov in your lives for so long.

You are now the generation that needs to keep the family together! I hope we will find joyous times as well as these sad times together,
Love,
Rosette

~rosette strubel
~cousin, wilmette

January 3rd, 2021

There was a space in time when she and I spent countless hours on the telephone. During these years, I got to know a beautiful spirit, someone I called a sweet angel. Had the opportunity to meet Mr & Mrs Reich on a quick trip to Chicago once. Our conversations lasted years, until I was not able to understand the German language she spoke only. My love and admiration never wavered. I have called her a phenomenal woman, from the poem by Maya Angelou. To my friend Lydia I share another poem from Ms. Angelou, “ I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel…” Farewell, Mrs Lydia Reich you will be missed!

~Markutter McIntosh
~Friend/Admirer, Texas