Funeral Details

Renee Gail Pasikov

It is with a heavy heart & great sadness that we inform you of the loss of our beloved mother, Renee Pasikov, who passed away in her sleep on January 4 at the age of 85.

Renee Pasikov was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Stanley Pasikov; loving mother of Tzvi (Bashe) Pasikov, Michael Pasikov, and Barry (Diana) Pasikov; cherished grandmother to 16 and great grandmother of 42. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Herman and Gertrude Mackoff; dear sister of Benjamin (Carol) Mackoff; caring aunt of David (Shelly Moskowitz), Myron, and Jon Mackoff; and a lifelong friend to many. Together with Stan, she raised 3 sons and in return received 16 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren (and counting). It is not the power of math but the power of love that produced such a rich and full family.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, where she met and married her college love, Stan, Renee became an Airforce wife and would often reminisce fondly about their time in North Carolina. After returning to Chicago and later moving to Glencoe, Mom pursued her master’s degree in Speech and Language while raising her three boys. She became the speech and language therapist at the grammar and middle schools in the North Shore, her specialty was working with special needs children. Mom rounded out her days with tennis, horseback riding, and volunteered her time to the Beth El Sisterhood, Hadassah, and as a docent at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Even with her busy/active daily life, Renee still found time to socialize with friends. She had a special ability to relate to people and made friends from all the different facets of her life and cherished the special time she spent attending the opera and symphony. Up until her last days, she was still reaching out and connecting with her close network of friends.

Throughout all the constant change, her marriage and family were the bedrock of her life. Renee was a devoted wife and mother and later added the title of Grandmother, Gaga, and Great Grandmother. She made a concerted effort to connect with each one of her grandchildren and engage with them in activities that they enjoyed. She was present at all her 16 grandchildren’s bar/bat mitzvot, recitals, concerts, and weddings until she was no longer able to travel. At the age of 80, she began her career as a rock n’ roll guitarist as her youngest grandson taught her how to play “Sweet Home Alabama” on the guitar.

But it was the life she shared with Stan that gave her a deep connection and a sense of purpose. They loved to travel, shared a witty sense of humor, enjoyed their circle of friends, and valued their Jewish heritage, all of which were passed on to their children. The measure of a life is not in miles or years but in the impact your journey has had on the people you love. By that measure, Stan and Renee’s legacy continues to live in the hearts of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

From an early age, Renee developed a strong connection to the State of Israel and passed that love on to her children. Two of her children (Tzvi & Michael) made aliyah to Israel with their families. For over 35 years, Renee traveled back and forth to Israel and watched with pride as both the country and her family grew. Every trip to Israel ended in Jerusalem with a special visit to the “Kotel” (Western Wall), where Renee found comfort and peace. In her later years, Mom remembered that feeling of serenity that Jerusalem gave her and decided to make it her final resting place. On Wednesday, Barry will be traveling with Renee on her final journey to Ha’aretz where she will be welcomed and accompanied by her family to Jerusalem, her city of gold and her final resting place.

Once it is again safe to gather together, Barry and Diana will be hosting a special gathering in Highland Park for family and friends to honor Renee.

Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com