After a life of love and quiet grace, Eva Reefer of Arlington Heights, IL has passed.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
We measure lives in love, not minutes.
Eva Reefer, cherished daughter of Rose (Mendrowska) and Eric Reifer, was born in Trinidad on March 24, 1942. She remembered her tropical beginnings fondly, including playing outside in the sunny weather with her siblings, the nuns who were her first elementary school teachers, and a favorite babysitter named Veronica. In 1952 her family moved to Chicago via New York. Eva never forgot the plane ride, a mode of transportation she detested, insisting it made her tummy hurt. When asked, she often expressed interest in visiting Trinidad but only if she could go by train. Later in life, activities Eva especially enjoyed included dining out, getting her hair styled and nails painted, writing in her notebooks, watching the Lifetime channel, and collecting teddy bears. She was delighted by visits and phone conversations with her devoted brother Jacob (Harriet) Reifer and his family, and she always spoke lovingly of her late sisters, Betty (Arnold) Loeb, and Ann Feldman. Notably, Eva was exceptionally chatty, and her saucy turns of phrase never failed to leave an impression. Throughout her life, Eva faced many physical and cognitive challenges that would have been the undoing of most. Yet she successfully adapted to life in different countries, schools, and nursing facilities. Each of these settings had a unique culture, and Eva expressed herself and made friends in every one of them. A treasure and a blessing, Eva set an honorable example through her flexibility, sincerity, and the unconditional love she showed her family. Private funeral services were held. Memorial donations are kindly requested to Keshet or Individual Advocacy Group.
Shalom Memorial is honored to serve the family of Eva Reefer Shalom Memorial 1700 West Rand Road Arlington Heights, IL 60004 1.847.255.3520 info@shalommemorial.org
