Deanna Reiter

Deanna C. Reiter, “Dee Dee”, 89, passed away March 18, 2025, peacefully at home at Discovery Commons in Orland Park. Born on Chicago’s north side, Dee graduated from St. Alphonsus School and St. Michael’s Central High School Class of 1954 and received a B.A. from Mundelein College for Women in 1958. She was a self-proclaimed average student, with no scholastic honors. Aside from the last years of her life, she never left the north side of the city. Although trained as a teacher at Mundelein, Deanna began work as Membership Secretary of the Illinois CPA Society, a position she held for 10 years. It was at the CPA Society where Deanna developed her skills as an event planner. Throughout her life, Deanna was known by family, friends and neighbors for her exceptional parties and celebrations, particularly Kentucky Derby parties and Christmas. She strived to create special memories and impressions with themes, menus and signature cocktails. Later, up until her retirement, Deanna worked as the longtime office manager at Fred Teitelbaum Construction Company in Chicago’s West Ridge. Deanna‘s love for music began early as she played the clarinet and piano. She enjoyed attending Chicago’s musical theatre productions and saved a large collection of Playbills over the years. Although Deanna tried many sports, she believes her average talents led her to be a lifelong spectator and fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks. Deanna had a great love for her city, always clipping restaurant openings, library lectures, architectural tours, museum exhibits, shopping and department store sales, and flower shows that she would attend with family and friends. Deanna developed a volunteer spirit at the age of ten when she became active in Girl Scouts. Deanna believed in the confidence, leadership and character the Girl Scouts, inspired in women, and the community and sisterhood it provided. In her pre-married life, she was a scout leader for over 10 years. She later continued as a volunteer in both her daughters’ girl scout troops and school activities. Over the years, Deanna created numerous scrapbooks documenting girl scout overnights, camping, and other charitable activities. Her crafting did not stop with scrapbooking. Every year, Deanna handmade her Christmas cards that doubled as ornaments. She also crafted beautiful gardens and container boxes at her home, with a particular love for Japanese and rock gardening. Because Deanna’s father died when she was three years old, she never met her relatives in the Philippines or was introduced to Filipino culture. Her interest in Asian gardening and décor helped her, as a biracial woman, to connect with the family, and culture she longed for. Devoted mother of Denise Reiter of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood and Jennifer (Sean, Sr.) Kenny of Palos Heights. Grandmother of Sean (Emily) Kenny, Jr. of Villa Park, IL Dear Sister of Margaret Mary Gilford of Mishawaka, IN and the late John P. Sullivan II. Loving aunt of Kelly (Mechelle) Gilford, Keri (A.J.) Singh, and John P. Sullivan III. Daughter of the late Julia Knudtson and Tomas Estabillo Reyes. The family has chosen a private traditional cremation. Memorial mass is being planned at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 10134 S Longwood Dr., Chicago, IL 60643. Future Burial of cremated remains at St Boniface Cemetery, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Gannon Center for Women and Leadership. https://www.luc.edu/gannon/givetogannon/ Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Deanna Reiter

March 13, 1937 - March 18, 2026