Alba Biagini Obituary

Biagini, Alba born in Chicago, March 6, 1924, Alba Biagini was the only child of the late Angelo and Delia Biagini. A graduate of Phil Sheridan Elementary School, James Bowen High School, she received her undergraduate degree from Chicago Teachers College and a Master of Science degree in biology from the University of Chicago. Ms. "B" inspired a generation of Chicago Public School students at Englewood High School, Washington High School and finally at her alma mater, Bowen High School, from which position she retired. In the 1960's, she also served as a Human Relations Coordinator for Chicago Public Schools. In her youth, she worked as a camp counselor at Union League Club summer camps in Wisconsin. A Fulbright Exchange Scholar in the 1950's, she taught for a year at a teachers training college in Great Britain (Wimbledon), developing life-long friendships with many British colleagues. She was a recipient of a Kate Maremont Foundation Award for Outstanding Teacher. A lifetime resident of Southeast Chicago, she grew up in South Chicago and lived much of her adult life in Calumet Heights, where she died May 21, 2003. A patron of the arts, she was a regular subscriber to the Lyric Opera Company, Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre and the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario. One of her last requests of friends was that they arrange to have rehearsals for a new, South Chicago-related play conducted in her home so that she might experience the development process. Sadly, she died before rehearsals began. In keeping with her lifetime dedication to theatre, it is suggested that friends donate to the cultural institution of their choice or to the Student Subscription Series at Goodman Theatre, where "Ms. B's" love for theatre began. Friends will gather to honor in her memory at the garden in front of James H. Bowen High School, 2710 E. 89th St., Chicago, IL, Saturday, June 28, 2003, at 9:30 a.m.