Edith "Edie" Mae Reich

Edie was born in 1936 to Jewish Russian immigrants Ruth Menzon and Alexander Bulgart in Chicago, IL. She was the beloved sister of Donald Bulgart (Myrna) and aunt of David Bulgart (Barb) and Ellyn Ross (Peter). Among her most memorable moments from her childhood included roller skating with neighborhood friends; visiting her dear friend, Muriel, who lived just across the street; and learning about the importance of family from her mother. Two of the ways she loved to share those lessons were to teach us how to bake and knit.

Edie had many beautiful loves in her life. She met her first husband, Charles “Chuck” Gustin at University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in 1954. They were married for 31 years and had four beautiful children: Denice "Denny" Gustin-Piazza (Daniel), Penny Feuerstein, Robin Gustin, and Mark Gustin. She was blessed with three grandchildren, Lina Feuerstein, Alexa Koizol (Jan), and Hayley Gustin, each of whom she loved dearly.

Edie met her second husband, Phil Reich, while playing Bridge, one of her favorite pastimes. They were married for 13 wonderful years. Edie always felt blessed to have Phil’s children as part of her family, and to have their children refer to her as “Grandma.” They include Kevin Reich (Tana), Robert Reich (Tom Lowe), Jan Snyder (John). The grandchildren: Devin Reich, Tessa Reich, Jonny Snyder, Kenny Snyder, and Jimmy Snyder. Edie and Phil spent many happy years together traveling between their two homes in Chicago, Il and Delray Beach, FL.

Edie’s third love, Dave Katzenick, always made her laugh and was a wonderful listener. She felt blessed to have him in her life when they had both lost their spouses. They cherished each other’s company.

Edie’s experiences with her childhood “chosen sisters” — the La Medolas — were among the most memorable highlights of her life; she stayed close and connected with these sisters for over 80 years. She was always proud of having been a cheerleader for four years at Roosevelt High School, where she cultivated a deep passion for social gatherings, connecting with others, and sharing stories about life experiences. Edie held many leadership roles in various social organizations: she was a girl scout leader, the president of Palm Greens Women’s Club, and a meditation teacher for local communities. Tennis, pickleball, reading, and yoga were among her favorite activities in her later years. She had an enthusiasm for seeing the good in life and will be dearly missed by those who were graced by her positivity and love. May her memory be a blessing (Zichronah livrachah).

In lieu of flowers please send Memorial Contributions to either of the following organizations:

Leukemia Research Foundation-Davidson-Brin Chapter

191 Waukegan Rd

Suite 105

Northfield, IL. 60093

Leukemia RF.org

Women’s Club of Deerfield Beach

Flower Fund

910 E Hillsboro Blvd

Deerfield Beach, Fl 33441