Izaak Wirszup Obituary

Izaak and Pera were a gift to U of C in so many different ways. First, they were substitute parents to the majority of students and if they weren't, it was because a student was so busy trying to be independent that they never realized how strong Izaak would help invaluably along the way. I was working in the math department on publications and crossed paths with Izaak constantly because he was so clearly connected with the work i was doing. Izaac and pera were substitute parents to a group that couldn't be counted, their home always open, their caring endless. When I was there, the U of C was a diffuse place - no dorms, no inherent way for students to congregate unless it was with fraternities and that was mostly at acoholic events. But Izaak and Pera were the antidote - their home always open, their caring always responsive. As a pair, they were a vital part of my life. I will be forever grateful.

Dear Mrs. Wirszup,
My mother, Ethel Dorfman, and I send you our sympathy on the loss of your wonderful husband. My mother remembers him fondly for his kindness and great sense of humor. I got to know him when I was a math major in The College in the mid-60s and was the homework grader for his Math 101-102-103 class. I enjoyed working with him and remember how friendly he was whenever I dropped off the graded papers and picked up a new batch. He knew that I was Florie and Jake's niece (Florie was my dad's little sister), and that gave us another connection. I know he was a wonderful teacher and I am sorry that I never had the opportunity to be his student. I lived in Woodward Court for one year, but unfortunately too early for the legendary Wirszup years, when the two of you did so much to enrich the college experience for so many students. I followed his work with UCSMP through the years and saw him again when I attended the Fourth UCSMP International Conference on Mathematics Education at the U of C in 1998. I went over to say hello and was amazed that he still remembered me after more than 30 years. I imagine he was that way with everyone. He has been an inspiration to me throughout my career as a mathematics teacher and editor. He was a giant in the field of mathematics education and will be missed by all.

Dearest Marina,
You are a tribute to the abundance of your father's love. You have been a devoted and caring daughter who continues to honor her family above all. Even though this is a time of sadness, I hope it is also a time of reflection and celebration. As you remember all the wonderful things about your father, please know that without your encouragement and dedication to him, he would not have become the ideal man that he was. He, as you do, touched many lives in the most positive and nurturing ways. I hope you, Arnie, your sweet mother Pera and all his beautiful granddaughters, their husbands and great grandsons find comfort in each other and strength to cope with no longer having him in your physical world. He has left you his legacy. May he rest in peace.
Much love
Barb

It was my honor to meet Izaak and Pera Wirszup during their tenure as Head Masters of Woodward Court in the 1970's. I attended many of their Woodward lectures. Both of these wonderful people opened their hearts and their home to me and my fellow students, guiding us in academics and in life. My sympathies on the loss of a great man.

Colleen (Cacic) Gradle
Class of '78

Izaak Wirszup conveyed to me the elegance of learning and the beauty of a cultured lifestyle. I was privileged to attend Prof. Wirszup's first lecture on the day he began his career at the University of Chicago - which created a lifetime impression and enduring inspiration. Izaak's memory will shine on brightly for all of us who were nurtured by his noble soul.

Abe Sacks
Class of '49

Remembering Izzak with a great sense of loss and thankful for the opportunity to meet with him last at Aaron Konvisser's wedding.
May the memory of his life's work and achievements comfort you, dear Pera, Marina and family
Loving and mourning
Hadassah (nee Wirszup) and family in Israel

Dear Pera and all the family: I remember so vividly the time I was privileged to work with Izaak during the development and implementation of UCSMP and the wonderful insight, humor, and wisdom he brought to every discussion. Everyone came to depend upon his input at any stage of the program. On the social events, you both were the surrogate parent/best friend we came to depend on. Every occasion became a time to anticipate time with you both - catch-up time with your involvement in our lives, careers, troubles and successes that you both knew and never forgot. Very few of us are able to be so important and make such an impact on other lives, the greater world, students, everyone and anyone we come in contact with. Izaak was a remarkable man I will never forget and you were a perfect team. My heart goes out to all of your family at his loss.

It was an honor and a privilege to know Izaak. He was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend. So many of us have had both our personal and professional lives enriched by him. I'll miss him enormously.

My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness. With Love, Hynda Gamze

We extend deepest sympathy to you, Marina,to your mother and the entire family..many past, pleasant memories of your Dad.
fondly, Ileane and Mort

We extend deepest sympathy to you, Marina,to your mother and the entire family..many past, pleasant memories of your Dad.
fondly, Ileane and Mort

It was and honor and privelege to know Izaak. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
With love,
Nancy & Sheldon Rachman

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Dr. Wirszup will be remembered by all who had the good fortune to know him. I have many pleasant memories from U of C.