Obituary of Muriel M. Gitlin

Muriel M. Gitlin, a long time resident of Monticello, NY, Sun City West, AZ and most recently of Encino, CA, passed away peacefully at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on March 17, 2017, with her family at her side. She was 86. The daughter of the late Samuel and Betty (Chertoff) Schneider, Muriel was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 17, 1930. Muriel was married the love of her life- her husband of 51 years Herbert (Herbie) Gitlin until his passing in September of 2007. Muriel worked as a Speech Pathologist and Audiologist for Fallsburg Central School District for over 30 years. She enjoyed being active in many arenas, such as being a founding board member of the Sullivan County Mental Health Association and a founding member of Temple Sholom of Monticello. Muriel was active in the Temple Sisterhood and Mitzvah Makers. She was very proud of her Jewish background which drove her to be active in both Hadassah and B’nai Brith organizations. She also served as President for both. Muriel loved the Arts whether it was going to a play on Broadway, Forestburgh or watching Herbie in a play for Sullivan County Dramatic Arts. During the many winters in Arizona with her beloved Herbie, she continued her active spirit. They were the founding members of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Sun City West, AZ. Muriel was very active in the Jewish Social Club. While in Arizona she enjoyed teaching a very lively and fun class in Yiddish, her first language. Muriel was very active till the end. She loved keeping people in touch with one another; talking to her friends on both coasts, and having Sunday morning brunch at Sackett Lake with her friends. She remembered every time there was a special occasion, and you could always expect a card in the mail. Her crocheting, knitting and needlepoint has left her family with many items to keep them warm and remember all the love that went into them. One of her most recent greatest pleasures was playing with her grandpuppy, Alfie. She would talk to him and wait for answer and sneak him treats when no one was looking. Muriel is survived by her loving family: daughters Cindy Gitlin and life partner Mitchell Greig of New York and Marcy Gitlin Herman and husband Dr. Leonard Herman of California; sister Audrey Kalkstein of Florida; brother-in-law Melvin Gitlin (Joyce) and sister-in-law Evelyn Ilardi of Florida; as well, as many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and cousins. Aside from her beloved Herbie, Muriel was predeceased by brother-in –law’s Salvatore Ilardi and Howard Kalkstein. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:00am at the Temple Sholom Cemetery, South Woods Road, Monticello, NY with Rabbi Michelle Medwin officiating. Shiva will be observed at her home in Monticello, thru Thursday, March, 30, 2017. Shiva will additionally be observed at the home of her daughter Marcy in Encino, CA on April 9, 2017. Donations in honor of Muriel can be made to Temple Sholom, 5 Dillon Road, Monticello, NY 12701. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home of Monticello. For further service details or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.josephgarlickfuneralhome.com.