Funeral Details

My favorite memories of the Grodes included all the wonderful summer parties Mr. Grode would have at their beautiful Glencoe house featuring Desi enchanting everyone with her violin talent and Jacqueline showing off her culinary skills. Mr. Grode loved nothing more than keeping his family happy and sharing his love be of them with others. Charlie kept the yearly family tradition going after Mr. Grode passed and Mrs Grode moved to Florida. Charlie started off the evening with a heartfelt poem in remembrance of a great man, his father before Desi stole the show with her violin performances. You all have always made me feel welcome and part of your family. We have all gone different directions but warm memories still exist of times shared with your extrordinary family. While your numbers are dwindling one one end, the next generation of your family is thriving and growing. Stay strong together Charlie and Jacqueline. I hope you both find love and happiness together and with these newest members of your family.

Amy Bennett

We were geographically far away, but the heart "spoke" differently.
I remember your visits to Israel and ours to the United States. I loved your sense of humor, your willingness to help me with all my questions with such great patience, your involvement in politics, and the tremendous knowledge you had about Israel.
I already miss you so much.

TZIPPY BALOG

I knew Desiree almost as long as I've known Charlie. Desiree was never far from us and always a part of my Chicago visits and memories. I will always remember her compassion and her interest in trying to understand the world around her. My condolences to all in her family.

John Fisher

I have a wonderful memory of dining with Desi in front of Angels Cafe when she stopped a military person walking in to thank him for his service to the country.

Rhonda Friedmann

Desiree was a law school classmate, colleague, and the most of all a very nice person. I am so sorry for your loss. May her memory remain a blessing.

Howard Schusteff

Desiree was a friend of mine during and since law school. She was a kind, loving and intelligent friend and her memory will be missed. My husband and I attended most of her concerts in memory of her father, and we continued to have contact throughout her life. May her memory be for a blessing. Fran and Charlie Steinberg

FRANCE STEINBERG

I knew Des from East Bank and will never forget her concert at the Three Arts Club. Such a sweet, smart lady.

Barbara REYNOLDS

Desiree was a patient of mine at East Bank Chiropractic, I enjoyed getting to know her over the past year, she was a talented violinist and attorney, She is gone too soon and will be missed

Dr. John Zrelak

I have known Desi for the past two difficult years in her life. I felt honored to provide her some support as her private patient advocate. She was witty, intelligent, and highly cultured. She had deep love for her family and often shared the stories of her late parents. May her memory be a blessing. Avrom Fox

Avrom Fox

I was blessed to have Desiree as a friend. I'll never forget the shared experiences we had as board members of the International Music Foundation, on travels, and on walks in North Pond and the Lagoon - Lincoln Park, Desiree's favorites. Desiree was a kind soul and always pointed out the natural beauty on our walks. Desiree will be remembered for the special and loving person she was and will live in our hearts forever.

Patricia Heimann

I am so sad to hear of Desiree's passing. She was such a lovely person-smart, talented and she always had a smile on her face. I met Desiree when I joined a law firm downtown in 1992, she was of counsel there. We became friends and she honored my husband and I by playing violin at our wedding in 1994. I lost track of her over time, but she will be always remembered in my heart for her sweet, generous nature. Julie Katz

Julie Katz

I am so sad to hear of Desiree's passing. I knew her from the New Trier East High School's orchestra program, where she was an inspiration, not only as a violinist, but for her warmth, humor, wisdom, and compassion. My heartfelt condolences to Charlie and Jacqueline -- please know that I have thought of her warmly SO MANY TIMES across the miles (and many years since high school).

Alison Peters

I am so sorry to hear of Desiree's passing. She was such an intelligent, hard-working, caring, talented person. I will miss her wonderful violin recitals, and think often of our times together in high school orchestras. She cared deeply for her friends and family and will certainly be missed. To her family and friends who will mourn her loss, please accept my deepest condolences.

Kirsten Caspersen

I remember her from high school as a little dynamo, a ball of energy, intelligence and talent. She (and we) liked to call her Dizzy-Ray. But there was nothing dizzy about her -- she was passionate, warm, and extremely good at everything she did, an awe-inspiring person. Gone too soon. My condolences to her family and friends.

Michal Shapiro-Hogan