We just learned that Judy Erickson, one of President Obama's earliest and most ardent supporters, passed away on February 18 after losing a hard-fought battle against ALS.
She began volunteering for President Obama at campaign headquarters shortly after he announced his candidacy. We don't know all that she did for the campaign but here's what we do know:
was a campaign intern,
worked the Iowa caucus,
answered phones in the call center,
responded to correspondence,
worked the convention, and
became a receptionist at campaign headquarters.
Those of you who worked at 233 North Michigan probably saw Judy even if you didn't know her by name. She spent many hours there week in and week out.
After the election and before she became ill, she worked with Organizing for America in the fight for health care reform.
Judy is survived by her loving husband Dennis, her wonderful daughters Eve, Laura (Cliff) and Catherine (Tom), her amazing grand daughters Rose, Anna and Miranda, her stepdaughter Hope and her sister Katherine Livingston (Art).
Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Les Turner ALS Foundation. www.lesturnerals.org. If you choose to make a contribution, please add "OFA" after your name so the family will know your connection to Judy.
If you would like to send a note to the family, here is Dennis' address: 1460 N. Sandburg Terrace #2102, Chicago, IL 60610-1538.
We're sorry to share this sad news but we thought you'd want to know.
Regards,
Kathy Gallo
Susan Gottlieb
Janet Taylor
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Happy Holidays!!
2010 -There was a lot
I can definitely say there was a lot going on in 2010. For much of it I am grateful.
I am grateful to my friends and family for their love and support. Thanks for the phone calls and emails… liking my facebook posts. All that is so appreciated.
I am thankful to my clients. The individuals, families and groups who have shared with me this year, I offer you a heartfelt thanks to you. Something new, I am working with children again and I like it.
My family has been tested this year with our beloved mom living with ALS. Mom has such a big heart and has taught me more about living well. I love you mom. At the end of the day, the family coming together can help us weather the storms.
In 2010, I left Rogers Park and the Rogers Park BizArts after seven years of commitment, community and fun. I am grateful to all my friends back in the hood.
Friends and Family,
I wish you much love, joy, learning and growth in 2011.
Love
Eve Brownstone
I can definitely say there was a lot going on in 2010. For much of it I am grateful.
I am grateful to my friends and family for their love and support. Thanks for the phone calls and emails… liking my facebook posts. All that is so appreciated.
I am thankful to my clients. The individuals, families and groups who have shared with me this year, I offer you a heartfelt thanks to you. Something new, I am working with children again and I like it.
My family has been tested this year with our beloved mom living with ALS. Mom has such a big heart and has taught me more about living well. I love you mom. At the end of the day, the family coming together can help us weather the storms.
In 2010, I left Rogers Park and the Rogers Park BizArts after seven years of commitment, community and fun. I am grateful to all my friends back in the hood.
Friends and Family,
I wish you much love, joy, learning and growth in 2011.
Love
Eve Brownstone
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
A definition of Thanksgiving I like is being grateful for what is already in my life. The people, the situations-the good, bad and ugly are welcomed. I want my Mom to be well, but I treasure all the good times we've had together since she was diagnosed. I want more clients, but I feel very lucky for being my own boss and liking the folks I already work with. More work is on the way. Having more down time gives me some more time to write, plan and create the life I’ve been envisioning for myself. Also, I have more time with Mom.
What lessons can we learn? What treasures can we see? How can we be kinder to ourselves and be who we are meant to be without waiting anymore?
There is a lot to be grateful for. Thanks to all my friends and family.
Love
Eve
A definition of Thanksgiving I like is being grateful for what is already in my life. The people, the situations-the good, bad and ugly are welcomed. I want my Mom to be well, but I treasure all the good times we've had together since she was diagnosed. I want more clients, but I feel very lucky for being my own boss and liking the folks I already work with. More work is on the way. Having more down time gives me some more time to write, plan and create the life I’ve been envisioning for myself. Also, I have more time with Mom.
What lessons can we learn? What treasures can we see? How can we be kinder to ourselves and be who we are meant to be without waiting anymore?
There is a lot to be grateful for. Thanks to all my friends and family.
Love
Eve
Monday, November 8, 2010
Compassion, Patience and Acceptance
Happy fall!
It is not winter yet. I hope we all have been enjoying the warmer temps. I prepare for the coming cold by reflecting on compassion, patience and acceptance. How can compassion be a force for action and change?Being angry is not working. Seeing other people as fellow humans who may be going through a hard time and not as the enemy may be a healthier way to see others. Accepting people where they are at… this is a work in progress and my true intention. Having patience with myself is also a gift I cherish.
How can I let go of my expectations so that I can enjoy what other people do offer?I think this could be away to enjoy the holidays more. Gifts can come in all different shapes and sizes. Time is a most precious gift to give.
Peace and Love.
Eve
It is not winter yet. I hope we all have been enjoying the warmer temps. I prepare for the coming cold by reflecting on compassion, patience and acceptance. How can compassion be a force for action and change?Being angry is not working. Seeing other people as fellow humans who may be going through a hard time and not as the enemy may be a healthier way to see others. Accepting people where they are at… this is a work in progress and my true intention. Having patience with myself is also a gift I cherish.
How can I let go of my expectations so that I can enjoy what other people do offer?I think this could be away to enjoy the holidays more. Gifts can come in all different shapes and sizes. Time is a most precious gift to give.
Peace and Love.
Eve
Thursday, September 23, 2010
A Voice to Be Reckoned With
A Voice to Be Reckoned With
By Eve Brownstone
My mom has always had a voice to be reckoned with. As a kid she only had to say my name ”Eve!” and give me a look and I changed my tune.
One early memory of mom involved her going up to my elementary school, Shoesmith, in Hyde Park to try to get an abusive teacher fired with other parents. The parents gathered together with picket signs, marched and let their concerns be known. Those parents got that teacher fired.
In the 1980s, when Reagan was running for a second term, mom and I stood out in the rain attempting to register voters. The pausing drivers many were African Americans on their way to work said, “ It doesn’t matter who we vote for, its not going to change anything.” Mom tried to convince these hard-working and weary Americans that their votes did matter. Reagan got re-elected.
When my little sister was in at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park, mom served on the very first Local School Council with Dr. Brazelle and David Orr. Mom felt honored to serve and was an active member. I know I learned from her the importance of getting involved and serving your community.
In January 2009 mom and I traveled together to Washington to see Barack Obama sworn in as our 44th President. We got inspired, tired and cold, but we were together with millions other Americans crying and hoping for change. This experience capped off two years of mom volunteering every week, three times a week answering phones for the Obama Campaign headquarters in Chicago. She also criss-crossed the country knocking on doors and stood in the masses with Obama in Denver as he received the Democratic Nomination. Mom was in her late sixties.
Today at sixty-nine, mom’s voice has been quieted but not silenced by ALS. She uses an Ipad to communicate. Her spirit is all there and her heart speaks through her fingers on the Ipad, or a smile, a gentle touch. Mom can still give me one of her “Eve!” looks though. It still packs a punch. I have to reconsider my actions because my mom still has a voice to be reckoned with.
By Eve Brownstone
My mom has always had a voice to be reckoned with. As a kid she only had to say my name ”Eve!” and give me a look and I changed my tune.
One early memory of mom involved her going up to my elementary school, Shoesmith, in Hyde Park to try to get an abusive teacher fired with other parents. The parents gathered together with picket signs, marched and let their concerns be known. Those parents got that teacher fired.
In the 1980s, when Reagan was running for a second term, mom and I stood out in the rain attempting to register voters. The pausing drivers many were African Americans on their way to work said, “ It doesn’t matter who we vote for, its not going to change anything.” Mom tried to convince these hard-working and weary Americans that their votes did matter. Reagan got re-elected.
When my little sister was in at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park, mom served on the very first Local School Council with Dr. Brazelle and David Orr. Mom felt honored to serve and was an active member. I know I learned from her the importance of getting involved and serving your community.
In January 2009 mom and I traveled together to Washington to see Barack Obama sworn in as our 44th President. We got inspired, tired and cold, but we were together with millions other Americans crying and hoping for change. This experience capped off two years of mom volunteering every week, three times a week answering phones for the Obama Campaign headquarters in Chicago. She also criss-crossed the country knocking on doors and stood in the masses with Obama in Denver as he received the Democratic Nomination. Mom was in her late sixties.
Today at sixty-nine, mom’s voice has been quieted but not silenced by ALS. She uses an Ipad to communicate. Her spirit is all there and her heart speaks through her fingers on the Ipad, or a smile, a gentle touch. Mom can still give me one of her “Eve!” looks though. It still packs a punch. I have to reconsider my actions because my mom still has a voice to be reckoned with.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Dear Rogers Park BizArters
Dear Rogers Park BizArters, I want to thank you for the past seven years of community and networking fun. It has been a pleasure to coordinate the Rogers Park BizArts every month with Sandi Price and Mike Glasser. Due to family and other obligations, I am giving up my role as a coordinator. September 29 will be my last RP BizArts for a while. I may be back in the spring of 2011 as a participant. Please Sandi, Mike and all, please keep the arts in BizArts. I want to thank Mike Glasser for founding the Rogers Park BizArts and asking me to join in the fun. It has been an interesting seven years. Some of my favorite events include: the Aldermanic Forum at the No Exit in the last election, and the first Rogers Park BizArts Art Show last March. I am grateful to Michael James, Katy Hogan of the Heartland, Neil Lifton and Mary Bao of Duke’s Bar for your long time commitment and generosity to our group. I want to thank our core group of wonderful people who show up every time: CJ, Karen, Laurene, Sharon, Richard, Mark and Emily. Keep referring to each other. To all you new comers and folks who want to check out the group keep coming. The Rogers Park BizArts is a great group of people. I’m going to miss you guys. All the best and lots of love, Eve Brownstone
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