Denise Reback (née Bitton)
December 13, 1936 – July 17, 2026
It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Denise Reback (née Bitton), who died on July 17, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by her two children, following a short residence at The Cohen-Rosen House in Rockville, MD.
Denise was brought into this world on December 13, 1936, in Casablanca, Morocco, the second of twelve children born to the late Maklouf and Saada (née Benbaruk) Bitton. She is survived by her loving children, Karen Reback (Dr. Scott Howard) of Washington, DC, and Steven Reback (Lynne) of Sanford, FL, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Danielle, David, Veronica, Nicole, and Jacob. She is also survived by her sisters, Renee Richter and Eva Bitton; her brothers, David Bitton, Dr. Gabriel Bitton (Nancy), Judah Bitton (Alegria), Michel Bitton (Esther), Samuel Bitton, Yaacov Bitton, Daniel Bitton (Golda), Simon Bitton (Mazal), and Avner Bitton; her sister-in-law Michele Becker and many loving nieces and nephews.
Denise grew up in Marrakesh, Morocco, where she met the love of her life, her late husband, Clifford Reback. They were married in 1958 and, shortly thereafter, moved to South Jersey to build a life together. There, she raised her family and taught French in a variety of capacities. After moving to Columbus, Ohio, in 1975, she started a long and beloved career as a travel consultant. In 1986, Denise and Cliff moved to Altamonte Springs, Florida, where, as a longtime resident, she continued to pursue her passions.
Denise was curious about the world and loved to learn, constantly acquiring knowledge about people, places, and Jewish history. Appropriately nicknamed “Tenacity,” she worked tirelessly at everything she pursued—from becoming a Bat Mitzvah at the age of 67, to making and packing lunches for homeless children, to attending lectures and serving on the board of LIFE at UCF. Family and friends knew her to be as optimistic, joyful, and elegant as she was courageous, disciplined, and principled. She is greatly loved and will be deeply missed by everyone she touched.
Funeral service for Denise will be held 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 22, 2026 in the Burton & Barbara Chasnov Pavilion at Congregation Ohev Shalom Cemetery (6034 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando, FL) with Rabbi Joshua Neely officiating.
A Shiva Minyan will follow the services at the home of her son, Steven Reback, please call funeral home for details.
In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Denise Reback, to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate or, in memory of Denise Reback, to the Charles E. Smith Life Communities https://www.smithlifecommunities.org/giving/tribute-gift/
Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.
