MARGARETE REITMAN

FORT WORTH -- Margarete Louise "Margie" Johnson Reitman passed from this world peacefully Monday afternoon, December 17, 2012, during her 77th year. Service: 10 a.m. Friday in the chapel at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road, Fort Worth, with Rabbi Andrew Bloom of Congregation Ahavath Sholom officiating. Following committal prayers, she will be laid to rest in the Beth-El Section at Greenwood Memorial Park. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to the American Cancer Society or an arts organization, in her memory, is suggested. Born in Birmingham, Ala., on Jan. 25, 1935, the daughter of John and Velma Crocker Johnson, Margie grew up on a farm in Hanceville and loved horseback riding, even after been thrown from her horse in her teens. A scholar, cheerleader, and valedictorian of Hanceville High School, she was a recipient of a full scholarship to Vanderbilt University and became a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She later received an invitation as a Shakespearean scholar at Oxford University, where she met and often visited the Bard's descendants. During her Vanderbilt years, she met medical student and naval officer, Sanford Reitman. The couple eloped, to the chagrin of her parents because he was a Yankee, but officially married with blessings. Margie worked for Delta Airlines and proudly raised three lucky children while moving from Alabama to Philadelphia to San Diego to Rhode Island and finally Fort Worth in 1967. She was a second mom to her children's friends, a soccer coach, and designated chaperone for spring break vacations. A world traveler, she treasured reading, especially Shakespeare and poetry. She loved France and France loved her. She enjoyed gardening, sunshine, cooking, tennis, bridge club, poker club, bookstores, and all animals. A wonderful friend, daughter, sister, wife, and best mother ever, Margie excelled in scholarship, storytelling, piano, Jeopardy, and generosity. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jean Johnson Warner; and Sanford Reitman. Survivors: In addition to her son, Mitchell Reitman and his wife, Melinda, Margie is survived by her daughters, Deborah Reitman and Lauren Reitman Weinstein and her husband, Steven; grandchildren, Joseph Reitman and Rachel and Adam Weinstein; brother, Johnny Johnson and his wife, Carolyn; nephews, Michael and David Attaway and wife, Janet; great-nieces, Maya and Ashley; and great-nephew, Nathan. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of MARGARETE REITMAN please visit our Sympathy Store.