(670 The Score) Martyl Reinsdorf, the wife of Bulls and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, died peacefully Monday afternoon, according to a statement released by the White Sox.
Martyl was 85. She had battled a long illness and was surrounded by family at her home in Paradise Valley, Ariz. when she passed away, the statement said.
Martyl was an acclaimed fine arts creator who helped design five of the Bulls' six championship rings in the 1990s as well as the White Sox's championship ring in 2005. She also was an active member of the community, helping distribute coloring books and toys to hospitals, orphanages and shelters across the world, the team's press release said.
"My mother had such a heart for children," said Michael Reinsdorf, the CEO of the Bulls. "The joy she brought through her coloring books made me so proud to be her son. As a father, I loved seeing her being such an involved grandmother with my children. They had so many shared interests and spent time together developing computer programs, creating costumes and starting her coloring book program. These are memories that we all treasure as a family."
"My mother lived life to the fullest," added daughter Susan Reinsdorf. "A devoted artist, a big heart, a big personality, a strong woman, she always fought for the underdog and was so compassionate and thoughtful of others. She was such an influence on me, and as I was growing up, was always accepting of me and my friends, as if everyone was always part of the family."
Martyl had four children – daughter Susan and sons David (deceased), Michael (Nancy) and Jonathan (Holly) – and nine grandchildren.
Services are private. The family has requested that any donations be directed to The Spectrios Institute for Low Vision at spectrios.org.
