Knew Barbara for over 35 years as the firm she worked for, Master Builders, was a customer of our business.  We often had lunch together and when both companies closed, we remained friends having lunches and birthday celebrations together.  She was a fierce Democrat and I am a Republican which caused many serious conversations.  She was always ready to give advice or help.  I also took her to the hospital many early mornings for outpatient surgery.  She would always ask me because she said she knew I would take her no matter the time.  Rest in peace Barb.

I miss you and thank you for being so generous for us.

My sincere sympathy to the family of Barbara Michels.  She was a very good friend for nearly 40 years.  We celebrated birthdays together for many years.  Will miss her regular phone calls checking in on me because I was alone since my husband is in a nursing home.  Miss you Barb.

Barbara Terman Michaels was born in Chicago on May 29, 1933, to Edward Terman and Sarah Pritikin Terman. She was the baby of the family. Her siblings included her sister Sylvia Gethner, brothers Herb Terman and Sheldon Terman, and she was aunt to Perry Gethner, Deanna Gethner Byrne, Ross, Sheryl, and Margo Terman, and Marla Terman Fields, Michael Terman, and Ivy Terman Altman as well as great aunt and great, great aunt to their children. 
Aunt Barb went to the University of Miami for 2 years. She loved to tell the story of her and her father flying to Miami in 1951 where she had air sickness attacks while her father slept the entire trip. She loved reading, especially romance novels that she bought from used bookstores by the handful. In addition to English, she was fluent in Yiddish, Spanish, and Greek. She learned Greek so she could speak with Bill, her beloved friend of over 40 years.
She was devoted to her family. She spent a number of years caring for her mother during her final years. She and her siblings had over 50 first cousins and she was always in touch with many of them. She was always available to help with Zach Byrne and his father Pat Byrne after the way to early passing of their mother and wife Deanna.
She was a lifelong liberal Democrat and an unflinching supporter of Isreal and Jewish causes. She was generous in her support of numerous charitable organizations.
The family wishes to thank the supportive staff of Lutheran General Hospital for the kind and gentle care she received during her final days. We also want to thank the Chicago Mitzvah Campaign and Rabbi Wolf for everything they did for her. They were true Mitzvahs. And we especially want to thank Ivan Kelava and his family for all the love they gave her.
Aunt Barb was a piece of work. Like her brothers, she did things her way and she did not hesitate to tell you how she felt about anything. A true Terman. She was the last of her generation and will be missed by all.

OBITUARY

Barbara Michaels

May 29, 1933 – February 10, 2025

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

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