Bertha G. Stein

.Transcribed by Madalyn Stambaugh.

Grandma Bertha "Babe" Stein

Bertha was born January 28, 1923 to Bella and Morris Kovalsky. They lived on the West side of Chicago at 1511 S. Millard Avenue, where I was born. I had 3 sisters, Mary, Doris and Bessie and 1 brother, Jack. May parents lived in Minsk, Russia and came to America. All the children were born in America.

My Dad's first job in America was for a clothing factory called Hart, Shaffner and Marx. At the age of 44 years old he died from a kidney disease problem. I was only 9 years old when my father passed away. My Mom was the most marvelous person in the world and took good care of us. Mom died at the age of 80 years from a heart problem.

I had wonderful growing up years; lots of good friends and fun. I went to William Penn Grammar School and 4 years to Manley High School.

At the age of eighteen, I met Grandpa Chuck, he was 24 years old. He was drafted and chose to join the Air Force. After three years he became a Master Sergeant. He wanted to make a career of the service, but I wanted to start a family. On a visit home we were married November 7, 1943. We lived on the West side address at 3759 W. 15th Street. Our daughters Madalyn and Marlene were born there.

We then moved to Albany Park, the address was 4848 N. KimBall Avenue. Madalyn graduated from Von Steuben High School and Marlene from Mather High School.

Grandpa Chuck was born to Sam and Rose Stein, who came to America from Russia. They had 4 children, all born in the USA, 3 boys and 1 girl. Grandpa and his sister, Frieda, were born in Cincinnati, Ohio. They then came to Chicago and his father opened a cleaning store. It was on 26th Street and called Public Cleaners.

As a young man Grandpa Chuck was very popular and was a marvelous dancer and had a great personality that everyone loved being in his company.

He was always in the cleaning business; the main store and plant was called Robin Cleaners on Howard and California in Chicago, IL. He ran it with his older brother, Irv, for lots of years.

We had a wonderful marriage for 53 years. Candy and cookies was his favorite nosh. He died at the age of 80 years of heart problems. He will always be loved and never be forgotten. His pride and joy were his family and grandchildren.

Obituary-by Madalyn Stambaugh

Bertha "Babe" G. Stein

Passed away at the age of 88 on January 21, 2012, in Glenview, IL.

My mother had three sisters, Doris (Fred), Mary and Bessie (Ben), and a brother, Jack (Clara). My mom's nickname was Babe. She was the manager of a womens clothing store called Hellers Apparel and was tough, but liked, and well respected. She mad a lot of friends there that she always kept in touch with. She had two daughters, Madalyn and Marlene, grandchildren Russel, Brian, Craig and Carly. She had two incredible great-grandchildren, Remy and Ryder. She had a heart of gold and always was the one who took care of her parents and Aunt Mary who lived with my mom and dad all of their married life. Her home was always open to family and friends if they needed a place to stay. She loved to go to Vegas with my dad and loved the slot machines. She also loved to play cards like Rummy, Poker and Calucke. My sister and I always knew if she rolled her eyes and flared her nose and pointed her finger at us we better sit down and behave...she just gave us that look and never had to say a word. We moved from Kimball to Rogers Park and then they moved into the Landings in DesPlaines. Several years ago my mom moved into the Park of Golf Mill on Golf Road in Niles, IL. She loved it there and made a lot of wonderful friends and also met a wonderful companion, Harry. She was ar real fashionista who's clothes had to be perfectly matched with her shoes and purse-always makeup and jewelry. She would never leave the house without earrings and went to the beauty shop every week. Saturday, January 28th would have been her 89th birthday and she was really looking forward to celebrating it with all her friends at the Park and with the family. She had a wonderful sense of humor and will be missed by all her family and friends.