Margery R. Gould

Margery Estelle Rudoy Gould, just shy of 101, passed away from natural causes, surrounded by her family, on Monday, April 24th. Her warm, loving personality inspired many friends, old and new, to be part of her life.

Marge’s last years were a joyous period in her life, living on Chicago’s north side, creating her own art and enjoying the cultural life of the city. She was an active giver to charitable causes and donated regularly to women’s shelters. On her 100th birthday, when asked for the secret to her longevity, she said “Be charitable but don’t brag” and she urged everyone to find their own cause.

Marge was a great listener who offered supportive, non-judgmental and humorous advice that motivated many people to achieve their goals and deal with adversity. She inspired loyalty and friendship in her children, grandchildren, cousins and friends. Marge was a lifelong member of the DENA cousins’ club, and a member of several synagogues throughout her life.

More than 100 people gathered to celebrate Marge’s 100th birthday. Family, friends and neighbors were in touch with ‘Tudgie’ (her nickname from childhood) through visits, phone calls, special outings and her famous handwritten notes. She was especially close to her uncle Lester (Geri) Kaplin, to her first cousins, Marilyn Brown and Howard Kaplin, as well as to her oldest friend, Eleanor Dahl, who also lived to 100, and with whom she grew up in Wicker Park on Chicago’s northwest side.

Marge was preceded in death by her beloved husband Morton L. Gould, her parents Max and Elizabeth (Kaplin) Rudoy, and her brothers Leslie (Frieda) and Bernard. She was the loving mother of Mark (Marla) Gould, Scott (Mimi Hagos) Gould, and Elizabeth Saltzman; cherished grandmother of Ben, Alex, Carly, Ryan, and Isabel, and step-grandmother of Sam (Rachel) Saltzman; beloved aunt of Herb (Carole) Rudoy and Ann (Mark) Goldblatt; and devoted cousin of Joan (Carl) Weber and family. She will be missed.

Funeral service Thursday, April 27, 10:30 AM at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, www.ilholocaustmuseum.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weinsteinfuneralhomes.com for the Gould family.