Syte Reitz grew up in Queens, New York, as part of a large family of Lithuanian immigrants who fled Nazi and Soviet domination during World War II.

She attended Marymount Catholic school in Manhattan, and completed her undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She holds a PhD degree in biochemistry and genetics from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She did post-doctoral studies at Princeton University on the biochemistry of cell growth and then served as an Assistant Professor at Oakland University, Michigan.

When her children were born Syte decided to devote herself to raising them, and ultimately homeschooled them all the way through the end of high school. While a homeschooling mom, Syte was active in many areas, ranging from giving lectures on the biochemical effects of food additives, to founding the Madison, WI, Rosary for the Bishop initiative. Syte has served as the Mid-West Regional Director of the Feingold Association, an organization devoted to removing artificial preservatives, coloring, and fragrances from the food supply. She is also active as a researcher and commenter on Catholic issues in the local and national media. Syte has also lectured on her pioneering methods and experiences to homeschooling groups .

Syte is married to Rolf Reitz (UW-Madison Professor) and has two grown children, Tom and Chris. Chris is the Operations Manager of Relevant Radio Madison, Wisconsin Rapids and Wausau, and Tom is an independent web developer and co-founder of Rosary for the Bishop.