I'm very sad to report that Irit Spitalnik has passed away. I've hesitated to post anything here or on OT regarding Irit's passing, but many of you have e-mailed me privately or left comments in the earlier thread, so I figured I should post something.
I feel so incredibly sad for Michael and Maya that I'm nearly speechless and I don't think I can get through the day here at the agency unless I can get my mind off it somehow.
I have a promise from two friends who are very close to Michael that they will keep me posted about funeral arrangements, etc. When I receive word, I will immediately post information here.
Irit was an amazing person. She had this terrific way of putting people at ease immediately and making you feel as if you could tell her anything. We first met in a business context, but became fast friends. I remember one time we were sitting in the back courtyard at our old Greenwich Street office and I was all depressed about having difficulty meeting someone. She sat there for a half hour and talked with me. When we were done, I felt so much better and so much more optimistic about things. She was just that kind of person who could cheer you up - a great listener with infectious enthusiasm and a lovely smile.
Share some of your favorite Irit stories in comments, if you feel so inclined.
UPDATE - Chris Theodoros posted details of the services in the May thread. I wanted everybody to see them:
The service for Irit is this Sunday January 15th
It is at:
PLAZA JEWISH COMMUNITY CHAPEL
# 630 Amsterdam Ave
at the corner of 91st Street
Service is at 12 Noon
SECOND UPDATE - Nick Nyhan sent along the details for Shiva and for the Irit Spitalnik fund. Here they are:
Shiva: 401 East 74th Street, # 5F
Sun. Mon, Tues
Fund:
"Irit Spitalnik Fund"
c/o Dynamic Logic
30 Irving Place, fl 4
New York, NY 10003
auntie irit, i love u n miss you
love always jennifer
Dear Tom,
I am a friend of Michael's, Irit, and Maya...i flew in from LA for the services today Sunday.
I read your comments re Irit.
You are so right!!... When I met her with Michael for dinner a few years back... Irit was such a positive, CHEERY, wonderful person. She made you feel really good!
Let's all... try to spread some cheer and happiness... in our everyday lives, as a testimony to Irit.
And just as importantly of course, let's all reach out with on-going love, strength, and support to Michael and Maya. ...We each should just check in with them from time-to-time, say hello, and see how they're doing.
May God Bless Irit.
Regards,
Bob MacKay
For those who were not there, the ceremomy yesterday was touching, the rabbi eloquent and the 4 personal tributes were wonderful. They shared stories and gave an insight into a unique and special life,
Irit was an extraordinary human being. We met back in 1997 when we worked at DCLK. Irit immediately helped me feel at ease, took me to lunch and even a few days later organized a surprise b-day get together for me. We got along quite well and later on we actually sat next to each other in a very small office for quite a while. Her humor was fantastic putting up with my sales antics, her outlook so positive and since we met her friendship never waned.
I was so fortunate to know Irit and will miss her. We emailed each other over the last few months and I treasure those emails. As I look to the future I will try to be a better person -more compassionate, patient, supportive, forgiving and understanding. More like Irit.
My condolences to Irit's family and friends on the loss.
Kurt Tietjen
former employee
Irit, G-d rest your soul, you will be missed in by all of us who enjoyed your presence, your ever lasting smile, and your warmth. I wish Michael and Maya all the strength in the world.
Posted by: Doron Wesly at January 16, 2006 05:22 PMMy husband and I have known Michael, Irit and Maya since 2001 but it feels much longer. To know one of them is to know all of them. I flew in from SF for the service and am so glad I did; it was a beautiful service for a beautiful woman.
Michael and Maya - we wish you all the strength you need to get you through the coming days and months.
Love from Marcia and Steve
All comments are property of the individual poster who left them. Everything else, copyright 2005, Tom Hespos