Martyl Rifkin Reinsdorf was far more than the wife of a famous sports executive. To me, her life represents a remarkable blend of artistic imagination, quiet generosity, and unwavering devotion to family. While many people recognize the Reinsdorf name because of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox, Martyl built a legacy that stood on creativity, compassion, and meaningful service to children and communities.
Her story stretches across more than eight decades, touching the worlds of fine art, jewelry design, sports history, and philanthropy. Every chapter reveals someone who believed that beauty and kindness could leave a lasting impression.
Basic Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martyl Rifkin Reinsdorf |
| Birth Name | Martyl Rifkin |
| Born | March 4, 1936 |
| Birthplace | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Died | June 28, 2021 |
| Age at Death | 85 |
| Place of Death | Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA |
| Occupation | Jewelry Designer, Artist, Philanthropist |
| Specialty | Cloisonné Jewelry and Championship Ring Design |
| Spouse | Jerry Reinsdorf |
| Children | Susan, David, Michael, Jonathan |
| Grandchildren | Nine |
| Known For | Bulls and White Sox championship rings, children’s charitable initiatives |
Early Life and Education
Martyl Rifkin was born on March 4, 1936, in Denver, Colorado. She was the daughter of Milton Rifkin, an innovator in home use plastics and founder of Design Packaging Co., and Vivette Rifkin. In 1944, when Martyl was just eight years old, the family relocated to Chicago.
Growing up in Chicago helped shape her creative outlook. She attended Morgan Park High School, where her artistic interests continued to develop. During her college years at George Washington University, fate introduced her to fellow student Jerry Reinsdorf.
Their relationship quickly flourished. The couple became engaged in 1956 and married later that same year. What began as a college romance became a marriage that lasted more than 65 years, standing as one of the defining partnerships behind one of the most recognizable names in American professional sports.
Marriage to Jerry Reinsdorf
To me, one of the most impressive aspects of Martyl’s story is how she built her own identity while supporting her husband’s extraordinary career.
Jerry Reinsdorf eventually became chairman and owner of the Chicago White Sox in 1981 and the Chicago Bulls in 1985. As his responsibilities expanded, Martyl remained a steady presence beside him. Rather than seeking the spotlight, she invested her energy in artistic projects and charitable work.
Her creativity even became part of sports history. She designed five of the Chicago Bulls’ six NBA championship rings during the legendary dynasty of the 1990s and played an important role in the sixth design. She also designed the Chicago White Sox World Series championship ring following the team’s historic 2005 championship.
Those rings became more than jewelry. They became symbols of achievement that players proudly carried for the rest of their lives.
A Passion for Cloisonné Jewelry
Martyl was admired for her bright cloisonné jewelry. Cloisonné, an old enameling process, turns metal into brilliant works of art with painstakingly carved compartments filled with colored enamel.
It demands extreme patience.
First, elaborate metal wire patterns are made. Before numerous kiln firings, powdered enamel is added to each compartment. Finally, every surface is polished to shine like precious metal stained glass.
For over 25 years, Martyl practiced this difficult art.
Her works were full of vibrant colors, expressive people, floral embellishments, and fun themes. She created wearable art with elegance and flair using sterling silver, 14 carat gold, and 24 karat gold.
Her championship rings showed how sports culture and traditional craftsmanship could blend. She made iconic souvenirs using trademarks, jewels, precious metals, and symbols.
A Heart Dedicated to Children
If there is one achievement that defines Martyl’s legacy for me, it is her extraordinary commitment to children.
Rather than limiting herself to donations, she personally created educational and therapeutic materials designed to comfort young people facing difficult circumstances.
Over the years, she quietly distributed more than one million coloring books, crayons, markers, toys, and creative supplies.
These gifts reached:
- Children’s hospitals
- Ronald McDonald Houses
- Orphanages
- Family shelters
- Disaster survivors, including families affected by Hurricane Katrina
- Phoenix Children’s Hospital
- Lurie Children’s Hospital
- Vision impaired children through the Spectrios Institute for Low Vision
Many children knew her simply as “Grandma Martyl.”
That nickname perfectly reflected her approach. She never seemed interested in recognition. Instead, she focused on bringing moments of joy to children whose lives had become unexpectedly difficult.
Philanthropy and Recognition
Martyl’s charitable work extended well beyond children’s programs.
She supported organizations throughout Chicago, Phoenix, Israel, and many international communities. Together with Jerry Reinsdorf, she quietly contributed to numerous educational, humanitarian, and medical causes.
Her dedication earned several notable honors.
| Year | Recognition |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Clarence Troyer Volunteer of the Year Award |
| 2011 | Torch of Learning Award from American Friends of Hebrew University |
These awards reflected years of service rather than isolated accomplishments.
Family Life
Family remained the center of Martyl’s world.
She and Jerry Reinsdorf raised four children while balancing demanding professional and charitable lives.
Susan Reinsdorf
Susan often described her mother as a devoted artist with a huge heart, a vibrant personality, and remarkable compassion.
Her memories painted the picture of someone who encouraged creativity while offering unconditional emotional support.
David Reinsdorf
David Reinsdorf passed away in March 2014 at the age of 51.
His death became one of the family’s deepest sorrows. He was survived by his four children, Bryan, Melissa, Max, and Nathan. Martyl remained deeply involved with her grandchildren throughout her life.
Michael Reinsdorf
Michael Reinsdorf serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Bulls.
He frequently highlighted his mother’s passion for helping children. He also spoke proudly about her coloring books and the countless smiles they created for young patients and families.
Jonathan Reinsdorf
Jonathan Reinsdorf often recalled how his mother recognized strengths in him that others overlooked.
Her encouragement became a foundation for his confidence and personal growth, illustrating the quiet influence she had within her own family.
Extended Family Background
Martyl’s roots remained closely connected to the Rifkin family.
Her father, Milton Rifkin, established a successful plastics business that reflected innovation and entrepreneurship.
Her mother, Vivette Rifkin, lived to the age of 96 and maintained close family relationships throughout her life.
Among Martyl’s siblings and relatives was Jeremy Rifkin, who became widely recognized as an author and public intellectual. The family also included Dovie Horvitz and Jill Grundland.
Although each followed different paths, creativity and intellectual curiosity appeared throughout the family tree.
Personal Qualities
Reading Martyl’s life, I detect repeated motifs.
She adored baking.
She adored dogs.
She loved family gatherings.
Friends remembered her warmth, not her achievements. Children recalled her kindness, not generosity. Her loved ones characterized her as strong and compassionate.
Her personality was colorful mosaic. Every part—art, family, charity, or friendship—made a magnificent whole.
Final Years
After a long illness, Martyl Rifkin Reinsdorf passed away on June 28, 2021, at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona.
She was 85 years old.
She spent her final moments surrounded by family, reflecting the same values that had guided her throughout life.
Private funeral services honored her memory. In keeping with her lifelong dedication to helping children, memorial donations were directed toward organizations supporting visually impaired young people.
Timeline of Major Life Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1936 | Born in Denver, Colorado |
| 1944 | Family moved to Chicago |
| 1956 | Married Jerry Reinsdorf |
| 1981 | Jerry acquired the Chicago White Sox |
| 1985 | Jerry acquired the Chicago Bulls |
| 1990s | Designed five Bulls championship rings |
| 2004 | Received Clarence Troyer Volunteer of the Year Award |
| 2005 | Designed Chicago White Sox World Series championship ring |
| 2011 | Received Torch of Learning Award |
| 2014 | Son David Reinsdorf passed away |
| 2021 | Passed away at age 85 |
FAQ
Who was Martyl Rifkin Reinsdorf?
Martyl Rifkin Reinsdorf was an American jewelry designer, artist, philanthropist, and the wife of Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. She became widely respected for her cloisonné jewelry, championship ring designs, and charitable work for children.
When was Martyl Rifkin Reinsdorf born?
She was born on March 4, 1936, in Denver, Colorado.
When did Martyl Rifkin Reinsdorf die?
She passed away on June 28, 2021, at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, following a long illness.
How many children did Martyl and Jerry Reinsdorf have?
They had four children: Susan, David, Michael, and Jonathan Reinsdorf.
What happened to David Reinsdorf?
David Reinsdorf passed away in March 2014 at the age of 51. He was survived by four children.
What made Martyl’s jewelry unique?
Her jewelry featured colorful cloisonné enameling, precious metals, expressive artistic themes, and meticulous craftsmanship developed over more than 25 years.
Did Martyl Reinsdorf design championship rings?
Yes. She designed five of the Chicago Bulls’ six NBA championship rings and contributed to the sixth. She also designed the Chicago White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship ring.
What charitable work was Martyl Reinsdorf known for?
She created and distributed more than one million coloring books, crayons, markers, toys, and educational materials to hospitals, shelters, orphanages, disaster relief programs, and children’s organizations.
What awards did Martyl Reinsdorf receive?
Among her honors were the 2004 Clarence Troyer Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2011 Torch of Learning Award.
What is Martyl Rifkin Reinsdorf’s lasting legacy?
Her lasting legacy combines artistic excellence, championship ring design, unwavering devotion to family, and decades of compassionate philanthropy that brightened the lives of countless children through creativity, generosity, and quiet acts of kindness.
