Rose Meyer (nee Reich), 98, of Oak Park, died on Dec. 1, 2024. Born on April 5, 1926, she was the first female director of performing arts at Curie High School. She loved her students, and her greatest joy was attending live theater and musical performances, especially with her dear friend Rick.
Rose led Saturday morning Current Events at Brookdale retirement facility in Oak Park for over 20 years. She found topics she knew and understood both locally and internationally. She knew her stuff and had the facts to back up her arguments. She brought everyone who wanted into her circle of learning.
About 10 years ago, she helped start the Yiddish Club. She was proud of her culture and made sure that Chanukkah was celebrated with other holiday traditions.
In 2006, Rose fought the Whiteco high-rise apartment building on the corner of Lake Street and Ontario. She attended village board meetings, got petitions signed and engaged her fellow residents to fight for their neighborhood.
At the age of 80 she ran for village trustee (2007). She was all about commitment, a tireless worker for what she believed in. She presided over many meetings of the New Leadership Coalition and was elected to an office with that group. At almost 5 feet tall, her famous opening statement, “I am standing up,” was always greeted with smiles and cheers. Her wisdom, experience and humor could always be counted on.
Rose was the wife of the late Joseph for 50 years; the mother of Steven (Elizabeth) Meyer, Michael (Mary Fran) Meyer, Marla (Ron) Fronczak, and the late Sandy Meyer; the grandmother of Jeremy Meyer, Emily Meyer, Michelle (Tim) Brown, Mia (Jason) Culver, Joe (Maggie) Fronczak, and John Fronczak; the great-grandmother of Isabella, Mike, Jaxon, Mila, and Cameron; the sister of Sonny (Sally) Rich; the aunt of Mari Strissel, Laurie (Binyomin) Babendir, Susie (Jon) Brooke; and her great-nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by cousins and friends. Rose’s family would like to thank her caregiver, Lilly, for her compassion and dedication.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting an arts organization or enjoying a live performance in her honor.
The funeral service is private, but a livestream will take place Wednesday at 12:15 p.m.