Rose Fay Thomas

Rose Fay Thomas, in 1899, established the Anti-Cruelty Society for the protection and care of animals. It was instrumental in providing services and education, and forwarding legislation against the abuse and maltreatment of stray, domestic, and work animals.

The original Small Animal Shelter was established at 1898 North Clark Street in 1904. It ran an animal rescue, ambulance service, and an animal adoption service. This was the first animal care charity in the country. The Anti-Cruelty Society has been at its current location at Grand Avenue and LaSalle Street since 1907. Rose Fay Thomas was also responsible for having water troughs installed across the city for horses.

She also established the National Federation of Music Clubs. Her husband was Theodore Thomas, the Founder, Musical Director, and Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Together they produced musical programs for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.

Her honorary sign was dedicated for the 125th anniversary of the Anti-Cruelty Society.

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Honorary Rose Fay Thomas WAY

West Grand Avenue from North LaSalle Drive to North Clark Street

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 42
Alderman: Brendan Reilly
Neighborhood: West Town

b. September 4, 1952 in Vermont
d. April 19, 1929. Age 76 in Massachusetts

near
Anti-Cruelty Society
510 N. LaSalle

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Source

20236444

https://classicchicagomagazine.com/the-woman-who-saved-millions-of-animals/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Fay_Thomas

https://cso.org/experience/article/16552/celebrating-the-anti-cruelty-society-at-125

https://youtu.be/ABqXaO6SOu8?si=2NYShWrRl20mdmVQ

Ossie Goff Ballew

Ossie Goff was a crossing guard for the Chicago Public Schools for 33 years on the corner of Western and Sunnyside near Welles Park and the Queen of Angels school.

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Honorary Ossie Goff WAY

West Sunnyside Avenue between North Artesian Avenue and North Claremont Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 47
Alderman: Matthew Martin
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

b. March 26, 1951 in Pikeville, Kentucky
d. November 15, 2023. Age 72, in Chicago

near
Her post as Crossing Guard

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Source

20247867

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chicago-il/ossie-ballew-11543081

Ernest & Gloria Jenkins

Ernest “Ernie” & Gloria Jenkins were founding members of the Westside Association for Community Action (WACA), a community development corporation since 1973. The group serves the Lawndale neighborhood and provides juvenile justice intervention for at risk youth, and food for families. Ernie was CEO of WACA until 2009

Ernest served in the US Air Force. Ernest and Gloria worked as a consultants in market research and human relations and sensitivity training. Ernest became Executive Director of Programs for West YMCA: Austin and Southside YMCA, and in 1971 joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to organize community self-help groups. He has won numerous awards for his service.

Gloria was a social worker at Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) and led a program for at-risk teenage girls. She was Executive Director of Urban Programs West YMCA and later served various roles at YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. She served in an advisory capacity for multiple organizations promoting African-Americans and women.

Veteran: Ernest - US Air Force

Alum
Ernest: Aurora University (formerly George Williams College)
Gloria: Governors State University

Faith
Chicago Temple United Methodist Church

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Honorary Mrs. Ernest & Gloria Jenkins WAY

West Ogden Avenue, between Central Park and Millard Street

 

Approved: March 2023

Ward: 24
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: North Lawndale

b. Ernest: Dec 30 1929. Mississippi
Gloria: in Chicago

d. Gloria: January 3, 2006
Ernest: January 2, 2018

Near: Westside Association for Community Action (WACA)
3600 W. Ogden

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Source

2023986
IL-100-SR1294
IL-94-SR0566

https://wacanetwork.org/

Marge Britton

Marguerite “Marge” Britton was a 1969 founder of the the oldest block club in the Edgewater neighborhood, the Lakewood Balmoral Residents Council (LRBC) . Before a career in public relations, she worked for the Lerner Newspaper and Skokie News. She was also a Ward staff member who served during the tenures of 4 Aldermen.

Marge lived her entire life in the neighborhood, and raised her family of 6 children on Magnolia Street.

Alumni
Mundeline College in Rogers Park

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Honorary Marge Britton WAY

North Magnolia Avenue, between West Balmoral Avenue and West Bryn Mawr Avenue

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 48
Alderman: Osterman
Neighborhood: Edgewater

d. April 8, 2022. Age 84

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Source

2023656

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/marguerite-britton-obituary?id=34195862

Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian

Sylvia Knabjian, a.k.a. Toy, was the proprietor of Bridgeport’s “Mike’s Hotdog Cart” at 32nd and Aberdeen, which her father Michael began.

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Honorary Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian WAY

West 32nd Place, from South Carpenter Street to South Morgan Street

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 11
Alderman: Lee
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

d. 2004

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Source

2023262

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-11-16-8503190261-story.html

Amanda Calo

Amanda Calo was a preschool teacher at Matthew Gaiiistel Language Academy. She was involved in the Safe Kids Chicago several other initiatives and interests including book and gardening clubs.

Her death was the result of domestic violence; a murder-suicide which made orphans of two children under the age of 5.

Alum:
National Louis University

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Honorary Amanda Calo Way

South Ewing Avenue, between East 103rd Street and East 104th Street

 

Approved: January 2023

Ward: 10
Alderman: Garza
Neighborhood: East Side

b. December 21, 1990
d. January 24, 2022. Age 32

---

Source

20222715 replaced by 20223963

https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/family-wrapping-arms-around-children-after-mother-killed-by-isp-trooper-in-murder-suicide/

https://nypost.com/2022/01/27/illinois-state-trooper-killed-wife-who-wanted-a-divorce-in-murder-suicide/

https://people.com/crime/illinois-pre-k-teacher-found-dead-with-state-trooper-husband-in-apparent-murder-suicide/

Gicele Wray-Lindley

Pastor Gigi has been involved in the church since an early age. Her parents were the founding pastors, Esteban and Isabel Wray. She became choir director at the age of 13 and sang solos in the and led praise and worship at age 9. At the age of 23 she was ordained into Evangelist ministry. She and her husband, Omar, have ministered in several states and overseas in Central and South America, and Africa.

She founded and is CEO of a childcare and early learning center which serves hundreds of children; it is called Shining Star Youth and Community Services.

Alum

University of Illinois at Chicago. BA
Master, Human Services
Master, Non-Profit Management and Organizational Leadership
Doctorate, Education in Ethical Leadership

Born in Panama

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Honorary Pastor Gicele Wray-Lindley Way

South Kedzie Avenue between 77th Street and West Columbus Avenue

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 18
Alderman: Curtis
Neighborhood: Ashburn

b. Colon, Panama

---

Source
20223245

Lula Navarro

Lula Navarro was a well known community activist in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, where she had been a resident since 1974.

She came to Chicago from Mexico and worked in the garment industry at the age of 14. She lost a finger and her job, and took work as a housekeeper. She participated in demonstrations in South Chicago where she was often the only Mexican woman. Lula was involved in Labor and the Farm Workers Movements and was well known for her campaign to build Benito Juarez High School; she continued her involvement through the support of bilingual education and job opportunities.

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Honorary Lula Navarro Way

South Komensky Avenue, from West 31st Street to West 32nd Street

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 22
Alderman: Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Little Village

b. San Luis Potosi, Mexico
d. 2004

---

Source

20222848
R815

Shirley Deer

Shirley Deer was a long time resident of the Lawndale neighborhood and a devoted member of the community and of her church. She was also a member of the St. Timothy House of Prayer.

The honorary sign was designated for what would have been her 75th birthday.

Mt. Hebron M.B.C.

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Honorary Shirley Deer Way

West Grenshaw Street, from South Central Park Avenue to South Homan Avenue (3400 to 3558 West Grenshaw Street)

Approved: Septembe 2022

 

Ward: 24
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: Lawndale

b. August 4, 1947
d. June 22, 1995. Age 47.

---

Source

20222473

Magda Ramirez-Castaneda

Magda Ramirez-Castaneda was an activist in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. She co-authored the book, Chicanas of 18th Street: Narratives of a Movement From Latino Chicago. She worked for the City of Chicago for 26 years, including roles in the Department of Family Support Services as a caseworker and in emergency services for the homeless.

She inspired others to run for office, including her nephew who became a Chicago Alderman. She fought for fair housing, labor, immigration, and farm workers, and many anti-discrimination issues. She was inspired by the Chicano movement of the 1960s. While a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she co-founded the Latin American Student Union, and after graduation she co-founded La Raza Unida, Illinois chapter.

Magda was born in Coahuila, Mexico and moved with her family to Chicago at a young age. She lived in the Tri-Taylor Neighborhood, Lincoln Park, and as an adult in Pilsen.

Alum
St. Michaels of Old Town Catholic School
University of Illinois at Chicago

Activist Magda Ramirez-Castañeda, a leader in Pilsen's Chicana movement, has died. "She was a warrior."https://t.co/dLHE0oOYcd pic.twitter.com/cPqgdGJEED

— Block Club Chicago (@BlockClubCHI) August 15, 2019

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Honorary Magda Ramirez-Castaneda Way

West 18th Street, at South Laflin Street on the northwest comer and going west to South Ashland Avenue

 

Approved: May 2022

Ward: 25, 35
Alderman: Sigcho-Lopez, Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Pilsen

b. Coahuila, Mexico
d. age 69 in Chicago

---

Source
https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/08/15/activist-magda-ramirez-castaneda-leader-in-pilsens-chicana-movement-dies-she-was-a-warrior/

20221757

Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos

Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos was a preschool teacher at El Hogar del Nino, in the Pilsen neighborhood. She began teaching in 1985 and dedicated her life to helping migrant families.

Alum:

Roosevelt University
Richards Vocational High School

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Honorary Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos Way

West 19th Street from South Racine Ave to South Allport

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 25
Alderman: Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: Pilsen

b. October 7, 1948 in Chicago
d. February 22, 2002 Age 53.

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Source

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-02-26-0202260162-story.html

2022832

Karen Lewis

Karen Lewis was the President of the Chicago Teacher’s Union from 2010 to 2014. Previously she had been a chemistry teacher for 22 years at Sullivan High School, Lane Tech, and King College Prep. She also spoke three languages.

Karen Lewis ran for the CTU to oppose privatization and mayoral control of schools as part of CORE (Caucus of Rank and File Educators). During her tenure she oversaw a 7-day strike in 2012, another work stoppage in 2014, reduced pay for Union officers, and expanded Union outreach efforts. She blocked efforts to impose merit pay and teacher evaluations all amid school consolidations and closures.

She was the only African-American woman in her graduating class from Dartmouth College, she transferred to Dartmouth when they started admitting women.

Karen was a resident of Bronzeville. She grew up on Chicago’ s south side, both her parents were Chicago Public School teachers.

Alum:

Kenwood High School
Mount Holyoke College
Dartmouth College, BA 1974
Northern Illinois University, Masters

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Honorary Karen Lewis CTU Way

Southeast corner of North Damen Avenue and West Carroll Avenue

 

Approved: March 2022

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood: West Loop

b. July 20, 1953
d. February 7, 2021. Age 67

---

Source

2022491

Cindy Proyer

Cindy was a long-time resident and well known neighbor on Hermitage Avenue who helped shape and define the neighborhood with her welcoming and friendly ways.

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Honorary Cindy Proyer Way

North Hermitage Ave from Glenlake to Granville Road

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 40
Alderman: Vasquez
Neighborhood: Edgewater

b. April 21, 1947
d. August 8, 2021. Age 74.

---

Source

Olga Quiroga

Olga Quiroga was a popular teacher of immigrant students in Chicago Public Schools for more than 30 years. She was known for her kind heart and generous spirit. She loved teaching; her students were like family to her. Olga taught third and fifth graders at Funston Elementary School.

Olga was born in Mexico, when she came to the United States she worked cleaning houses and earned her GED; she went on to get her Bachelor and teaching degrees.

She was taken to the hospital on September 11 and died on October 1. Due to the severity and early stage of the outbreak of COVID-19, her family had no contact with her from the time she entered the hospital until the day she died. Olga was among the first Chicago Public School teachers to die from COVID-19.

Education

Chicago State University

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Honorary Olga L. Quiroga Way

Central Park Avenue, from Armitage to Dickens

 

Approved: September 2021

Ward: 35
Alderman: Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Hermosa

Near Funston Elementary School

b. September 30. Tamaulipas, Mexico
d. October 1, 2020. Age 58. Chicago

---

Source
Chicago Sun-Times

Betty Reskinoff

Founder of Albany Park, North Park, and Mayfair Neighbors for Peace and Justice. She was an anti-war activist and a tireless champion of social justice. She and her husband led the group at weekly protests in the neighborhood; followed by a lively discussion and political analysis.

Betty Reskinoff was an educator who taught a variety of subject including Social Studies, English, and Art at the Junior High School to the College level; including DePaul, DeVry, the University of Illinois at Chicago and at a school in East Africa. She was involved in many strikes and protests throughout her career. Betty was not afraid of running afoul of any administration.

Betty grew up in Yonkers, New York and spent some of her childhood living in public housing, which she enjoyed as a child, it helped foment her fighting spirit against inequity and class differences.

Education

University of California, Berkeley
NYU School of Education

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Honorary Betty Reskinoff Way

North St. Louis Avenue, between West Cullom to West Belle Plaine avenues.

 

Approved: June 2021

Ward: 35
Alderman: Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Irving Park

d. April 28, 2020. Age 84. Chicago

---

Source

Second City Teachers

Rosie Lee Atchison

Rosie Lee Atchison was born in Mississippi, the second oldest of 27 siblings and half-siblings, but spent most of her astounding 109 years on earth in Chicago’s Bronzeville and Englewood neighborhoods - this included residing in The Mecca Building, The Robert Taylor Homes, and eventually purchasing her own two-flat. She was known as “Big Ma” and lived long enough to see the birth of 5 generations and 202 of her direct decedents: 5 children, 18 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, 95 great-great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Rosie grew up working in the fields of Mississippi and attending church before bringing her two children to Chicago in 1935. In Chicago she remarried and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad until she retired in 1970 after 30 years of service. Rosie and her husband were very active in the community and were known to offer a helping hand to those in need, and kept neighbors safe and fed. They were members of the Greater Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where Rosie sang in the choir.

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Honorary Rosie Lee Atchison

South Marshfield Avenue between West 61st Street and West 63rd Street

 

Approved: March 2021

Ward: 15
Alderman: Raymond Lopez
Neighborhood: West Englewood

b. August 15, 1911 in Bolivar, Mississippi
d. November 23, 2020. Age 109. Chicago

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Source

Kaylyn Pryor Way

Kaylyn Pryor was a 20 year old model and aspiring law student when she was the unintended victim of a shooting. Kaylyn had been visiting her grandmother and was waiting for a bus which would take her back to her home in Evanston when she was shot. Earlier the same year she had won the Mario Triccoci “Make Me a Model” Competition and was days away from signing a modeling contract. Her killer has not been found.

Alumna:
Robert Morris University
Evanston Township High School

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Honorary Kaylyn Pryor

May Street between 74th Street and 75th Street

 

Approved: February 2021

Ward: 17
Alderman: Moore
Neighborhood: Englewood

b. February 19, 1995
d. November 2, 2015. Age 20

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Source

Mother Betty Price

Betty Price ran a soup kitchen in the Englewood neighborhood for 30 years. She founded Feed, Clothe, and Help the Needy (FCHN) in 1988, originally running it out of her own home; it now feeds more than 1000 each week.

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Honorary Mother Betty Price Lane

West Elizabeth Street from 57th Street to 59th Street

 

Approved: November 2020

Ward: 19
Alderman: Coleman
Neighborhood: Englewood

d. September 2, 2020. Age 71. Chicago. Cancer

Near
Feed, Clothe and Help the Needy soup kitchen
1234 West 59th Street

---

Source

Chicago Women Take Action

Facebook

WBEZ

CBS Local

Jadwiga Kaczynska Way

Jadwiga Kaczynska was a prominent literary scholar at the National Academy of Sciences in Poland. She was a nurse during WWII and the Geman occupation of Poland. After the war she was a member of the Polish Teachers Union and involved in the Solidarity movement. Her son, Lech Kaczynki, became the fourth President of the Republic of Poland, and appointed his twin, Jarosław, as Prime Minister. Lech and his wife died in plane crash in Russia.

Alumni
University of Warsaw

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Honorary Jadwiga Kaczynska Way

West Belmont Avenue, from North Milwaukee Avenue to North Pulaski Road

 

Approved: 2018

Ward: 30
Alderman: Reboyras
Neighborhood: Polish Village

b. December 31, 1926. Starachowice, Poland
d. January 17, 2013. Warsaw, Poland

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Source

Jeanne Uzdawinis Way

Jeanne Marie Uzdawinis was the co-owner of Cafe Selmarie in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. She and Birgit Kobayashi were neighbors on Giddings Street who started the European styled cafe in 1983. The Cafe began as a bakery featuring what became Jeanne’s famous hazelnut cheesecake. It has grown in size and popularity with Lincoln Square itself, and is now a full restaurant. Cafe Selmarie moved to the Lincoln Square Plaza in 1999 Cafe Selmarie celebrated 35 years in business in 2018.

Jeanne grew up in Indianapolis and came to Chicago to study dance at Columbia College.

Jeanne Uzdawinis, who ran Cafe Selmarie, the popular Lincoln Square eatery, dies at age 63 https://t.co/2kpRCerBqB pic.twitter.com/MBtsB8CdWT

— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) October 13, 2017

Alumni
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Dance)
University of Wisconsin, Madison (Zoology)
Columbia College, Chicago (Dance)

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Honorary Jeanne Uzdawinis Way

West Giddings Street cul-de-sac to the northwest corner of North Damen Avenue and West Giddings Street

 

Approved: July 2018

Ward: 47
Alderman: Pawar
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

d. October 8, 2017. Age 63
ovarian cancer

Near
Cafe Selmarie
4729 North Lincoln Avenue
on Lincoln Square Plaza

---

Source

Tribune

Block Club Chicago

Patch

Source