Bess Winakor Obituary

RIP AND God bless you Bess

missing you Bess

Remembering my friend Bess today. God bless and keep you. RIP Bess.

I remember Bess as urbane, knowledgeable and always pleasant at all social situations. I first met her at the Chicago Sun-Times (when Robert C. Marsh was Music Critic). Over the years I enjoyed seeing her at concerts and at the Farmer's Markets; she was always friendly and down-to-earth. She had a great curiosity about life, people and events.

Bess and I were Chicago Sun-Times colleagues, and ever since we kept in touch, both in business and in friendship. I respected her ability to keep on top of current Chicago happenings with people, restaurants and the arts. Whenever I had a question about someone, she’d be the one I’d call, and if she was on a business call, she' d always call back. When my last two calls were unanswered, I knew Bess was really ill. She showed courage and determination throughout her illness.

She was a vibrant person who told me a few years ago, "I cannot imagine ever retiring."
I’ll miss our laughs, talks and her lovely artistic cards.Bess will be remembered as a genuine, generous and kind person.

Camille Stagg (Chicago, IL)

I did not know Bess well but our paths have crossed over many years. My memories will be of happy gatherings. Chicago will be a less interesting place without her.

Bess was a Chicago legend whose foot prints will last forever in the hearts of all those lucky enough to have known her. We will miss you Bess, Love always, Dan and Linda

Bess was a loyal and devoted friend. Her generosity and caring were extraordinary. She accomplished so much and it seemed effortless. I will miss her beautiful hand drawn birthday and holiday cards that no matter how busy she was, she always found time to make. Bess Winakor was an irreplaceable friend. I feel blessed to have enjoyed her friendship.

Kathy Abelson, Chicago

Bess was very special to the North Dearborn Association and the Dearborn Garden Walk. Her efforts put the Garden Walk on the map with all her contacts. We shared many good times: dining, N.W. football game and the Arts Club. Bess shared many of her interesting travel stories with me. She was a creative inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.

Bess handled the publicity for the Dearborn Garden Walk. I do think that the Dearborn Garden Walk was very special to her. She worked very hard to promote the garden walk. Whenever she was at a public event, she would tell everyone about our wonderful walk. That was the Bess personal touch!

Dearborn Garden Walk Co-Chair

Bess truly was a Chicago original.Through her Tony White and I were introduced to many people who whould become dear freinds. Whenever we would be in town I recieved a call and a visit. Ours became more than a business realtionship. Bess truly cared about how things were going and how she could help, always with a bit of local gossip and a lot of insight.
She will be missed.

Bess was one of the finest human beings I've ever known: kind, gentle, smart and engaging. Such a terrible loss. She was dear.

I am so sorry to hear of Bess' death. We were friends and colleagues when she was at the Sun-Times and often worked together again after she formed her own business. Please let me know about the memorial as I will try and attend. Sandra Pesmen

Bess was such an important member of the Old Masters Society of The Art Institute of CHicago. She was a regular at our lectures, private visits and of course, at our receptions where we looked forward to seeing her latest outfits. The Society has lost a wonderful and colorful personality.

Fred and I will miss your wonderful company, wit and wisdom. I am glad that I have known you and that I have saved quite a collection of your beatiful cards over many years. Your December Memorial will be just as you would like it.

Bess was a good friend and devoted to her clients. I will miss going to movies and dinner at Gibson's, one of her very favorite places. She was very brave until the end.

Bess was my Sun-Times coleague and thereafter a steadfast, valued friend of my wife Hedda and me. We will miss so much about her, the pep in her voice, the many kindnesses she bestowed upon us over so many years.

Bess was a good friend, a talented writer and business woman, with a keen interest in people, in the arts, in her religion. I will miss her alot as will her many friends and organizations. Lunch at Gibsons or Luxebar was special and finally she served her clients well until the end.