Funeral Details

Merle Dee Cristol Glickman died near her beloved home in the “Skevanston” neighborhood, just outside her native Chicago on January 21, 2021. She was 78. She was a determined, steadfast woman who was a tireless problem solver, taking particular pride in being “the mother you needed rather than the mother you wanted.” She was also proud of her efforts as an advocate on behalf of autistic children and young adults, challenging authority to ensure her own children got the education and care she felt they were entitled to.

She is survived by her children, Elyse Jessica Glickman and Paul Andrew Glickman, as well as numerous lifelong friends and acquaintances from her work as the “Doll Lady of Chicago,” appraising collections and auction lots, giving lectures at the Museum of Science and Industry, and many other pursuits where she bought and sold antique and collectable dolls. She is also survived by thousands of her adopted “children,” the dolls she collected, who will hopefully find good homes soon. She was also passionate about domestic and international travel, trying various cuisines from around the globe, art house films, and creative writing.

Ms. Glickman is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl Bernard Glickman, along with her parents Martha Weil Cristol and Paul Herbert Cristol, and brother Joel Lawrence Cristol. She was cremated in a private ceremony on January 28, 2022. While there won’t be a celebration of life event due to the COVID pandemic, you can share your memories of her at Legacy.com.

Memorials may be made in her memory to Community Alternatives Unlimited, 8765 West Higgins Rd, Suite300, Chicago, IL 60631, www.donate@cau.org. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.

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