Rella Chertoff Lutzky

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved Rella, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. On February 23rd, 2025, with her son Ken, and caregivers Ging and Judith nearby, she departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

Rella was born on July 27th, 1935, and from the very beginning, she demonstrated a spirit of gentleness – unlike her devilish older brother, Joe – and sweetness that touched everyone she met. She was a devoted wife to Gerry Lutzky and together they built a life filled with joy, mutual respect, and unwavering support for each other and their family. She had a successful career, first as a preschool teacher, then as a training consultant, and later as an executive recruiter. She and her husband Gerry loved the “cottage” by the sea in Corona del Mar, where they would take their grandchildren down to the cove to enjoy the beach and tidepools.

As a mother, Rella was the very embodiment of love and patience. She had two children in her first marriage – Ken and Ira Miller - that she nurtured protectively, always ready with a listening ear and wise counsel, which she continued with until the day she died. She happily drew in the children of her husband Gerry – Rick, Steve and Sherry Lutzky – and their spouses and children as equal children of her heart. Her home was a sanctuary of love, where laughter echoed through the halls and where each child, grandchild and great grandchild, felt cherished and valued. She and Gerry travelled the world, both with and without the grandchildren and shared their vision of tolerance and curiosity of others with them. They also enjoyed cooking together, playing bridge and other card games, as well as walking together wherever they went, or just along the beautiful vista of Newport Bay.

As a grandmother, Rella was a source of endless joy and inspiration. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she showered them with affection, stories, and life lessons. Her playful spirit and boundless energy made her a favorite playmate, and she shared her love of creating art with them all. She enjoyed family visits where kids and grandkids played board and card games with her and Gerry. She also enjoyed working with everyone on puzzles, although as she pointed out, “she was terrible” at actually putting together the pieces. She painted pictures of grandkids, or things they had photographed. She learned to text and email to keep in contact with each of them.

Rella was ecstatic to welcome great-grandchildren into her world and never turned down a visit with any family member. She delighted in the company of the youngest generation, her eyes lit up with pride and joy as she watched her and Gerry’s family grow, knowing their love and values would be carried forward.

Throughout her life, Rella was known for her unwavering faith, her dedication to community service, and her boundless generosity. She volunteered countless hours and donated money to a variety of causes, always striving to make the world a better place for those around her. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her smile could brighten even the darkest of days.

Rella’s departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of her laughter, her wisdom, and her unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and resilience that will continue to inspire us all.

Rest in peace, dearest Rella. Your love and light will forever shine in our hearts.

A funeral service for Rella will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92625.