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BORN

1928

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave.

Harwood Heights, Illinois

Geraldine McPartlin Obituary

McPartlin, Geraldine M. "Jerre" (nee Cronin) Age 91, of Chicago, IL (formerly River Forest, IL); beloved wife of the late State Rep. Robert F. McPartlin; loving mother of twelve to Robert G. (Sally), Susan J., Marilyn T. (Alan) Van Wetering, Nancy A. (the late Lawrence T.) O'Brien, Frank L. (Nancy), William B., Elizabeth A. (Patrick J.) O'Brien, Michael J. (Kelly), Brian J. (Amy), and the late Francis, Dorothy and Gerald McPartlin; proud grandmother of 24; great-grandmother of 29; and great-great-grandmother of one, cherished daughter of the late William and Bess Cronin; dear sister of the late Dorothy (Jack) Higgins, Elizabeth, Marilyn and William Cronin; fond sister-in-law, aunt and friend of many. Jerre, as she is known to her friends and family, was born July 29, 1928, and raised on the west side of the City of Chicago, attending Resurrection Grammar School, Siena High School and Rosary College. She began her career in the labor movement as a business representative for the School Lunchroom Employees Local 129 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (H.E.R.E.) in 1976. From her first day on the job, she took on the tough fights and dedicated her life to the working people and families of the union she represented. She quickly rose the ranks to Vice-President of Local 1, servicing thousands of unionized workers in the hospitality and food service industries. Recognized for her abilities, she was appointed a member of the Chicago Federation of Labor's Executive Board in 1981, ultimately becoming the first woman in history elected to the Chicago Federation of Labor as First-Vice President in 1985 and honored in 1995, was named "Labor Woman of the Year" by the Chicago Federation of Labor for her achievements, leadership and dedication to strengthening the Chicago labor movement. She was a proud delegate many times to the Democratic National Convention and remained active fighting for justice and equality for her union brothers and sisters until her retirement at the age of 83. Jerre was a tireless community leader devoting her time and efforts unselfishly to many worthwhile causes for the past several decades, including Misericordia, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Mercy Hospital, Amvets Post #13, the Jesuit Partnership Foundation, Concern Worldwide USA, the Irish American Labor Council and the downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and Queen's Contest, serving as Chief Judge for over three decades. She will be greatly missed by many who loved her passion for life, laughter and beautiful singing voice. Visitation Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL. Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, at the funeral home, and we will then proceed to Saint Luke Church, 7600 Lake Street, River Forest for a Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Misericordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 or Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607. For more information, www.cumberlandchapels.com or (708) 456-8300.



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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 18, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Geraldine McPartlin

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

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Barbara Bourjaily

October 27, 2019

Jerre was a class act. May she Rest In Peace.

Mary Grace Semp

October 23, 2019

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Deborah Cabrera

October 22, 2019

Brian McPartlin & Family,

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom, remember the fabulous times that you shared with her and that will help to put a smile on your face. Memories are forever! I can relate with your emptiness in missing your Mom, but she is watching and looking over her family always.

Remember her singing "Young At Heart"

Always,
Debbie Cabrera
(Co-worker of Brian's)

Donna Mulcahy Fitts

October 21, 2019

I am so very sorry that I cannot be there for Jeres services. She was a elegant lady who led the labor movement with strength, appreciation, kindness and laughter. I will miss her smile and friendship. She has passed the torch on to her wonderful family. May peace be with all of you.

Danny O'Shea

October 21, 2019

Renders the heart heavy to hear of Jerre's passing though can't resist knowing that fairies, angels and a few lucky devils are sharing the joy she bears through humor, insight, strength, and song. With grace and luck, Jerre and Peg and a crew of like souls are likely to raise a little hell to liven souls up in heaven!

Danny O'Shea

Pat Sweeney

October 21, 2019

What a woman! An incredible power-house and someone who cared. Many fond memories from Res and Siena events. The only really cherished version of Danny Boy is your mom's! Peace to all of you.

Mary Kenealy Bolger

October 20, 2019

Wish I could be there today to celebrate her life with all of you. I will always remember her smile and her sense of humor and how she always made everyone feel special. She had a beautiful voice and I will cherish the times we sang songs together at Kenealy gatherings. I know she is up in heaven singing with all her aunts and uncles, and I know my father (Her uncle Joe) is overjoyed to add her voice to the. heavenly celebration. Prayers and Love being sent to all her family from your cousin in Tucson.

October 20, 2019

Liz, Heard about your Mom while listening to WGN. Bridget O'Malley was on Steve Cochran show Friday morning. Please accept my prayers and sympathy. Hope you and Pat and your family are well. Take care. Be well yourselves. Sincerely, Terri Moore McGann.

Tom Majewski

October 20, 2019

So sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathies to your family.

October 19, 2019

I am thinking about you and sending love.

Maureen Hawkins-Martini

October 19, 2019

So sorry for your loss. I met a year or so ago at Mars in Lake Geneva. She had just finished singing and the piano player introduced her by name. We spoke for a few minutes. Lovely Lady.

Sue & Tom Sturgulewski (GILBERT)

October 18, 2019

We are so very sorry for your loss! Jerre was a wonderful lady! We enjoyed spending time with her years ago and she always had us laughing. RIP Jerre!

Catherine O'Connell

October 18, 2019

Jerre was an awesome woman! So much fun, a dynamo, with her boundless energy, beautiful songs and delightful stories, I looked forward to seeing her at any IRISH event! Blessings Jerre, Until we meet again. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

October 18, 2019

So very sorry my wife and I will be in LA during this time. Our entire family adored this magnificent woman for so many years its hard to put into words what she meant to The Biggins family. I imagine shell be treating all the Kenealys to a few songs tonight no doubt with Bob and baby Ger in her arms, with our sister Jean joining in. We Love You you forever Geri. RIP sweet cousin. Bob and Colleen Biggins

October 18, 2019

Sending prayers from Bill & Debbie Kenealy Aunt Jere sang at our wedding in 1974 and livened up what would surely been a dull affair without her.Reading all her accomplishments makes me even more proud to be related and fortunate for her addition to our life

October 18, 2019

My heartfelt sympathies to the family

Mike Houlihan

October 18, 2019

To all family and friends of the one and only Jere McPartlin, God rest her lovely soul. She was magic, filling every room with her joy, sense of humor, and beauty, what a lady, always a lady. Jere, I know you're in heaven, please save me a seat. Love ya,
Houli

George Hanns

October 17, 2019

Sincere condolences to the McPartlin Family.
My family and I were neighbors of Robert and Jerree on North Oleander Ave for many years !

Their Son Frank is married to my Daughter Nancy and have two children Miranda and Lilly !

Prayers and Strength to all who knew Geraldine M. McPartlin .
The George Hanns Family

The Staff of Cumberland Chapels

October 18, 2019

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Tim and Meredith Finerty

October 17, 2019

What a Classy Lady! Our Condolences.

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

October 17, 2019

On behalf of Fr. Scott Donahue and Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Geraldine McPartlin.

May the angels lead her into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome her and take her to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.

The Sisters and Residents of Misericordia

October 17, 2019

Our sympathy and special prayers for Mrs. McPartlin and all her family and friends.

Pat Spotz

October 16, 2019

Such a wonderful lady ~ my Aunt Jerre, we enjoyed her singing and entertaining over the decades. She always looked and dressed beautifully. She and Uncle Bob raised a great family. We all will miss her, she is at peace and singing with the Angels now, a life well lived. Condolence to her family <3

October 16, 2019

We are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed so many times with Gerry at H.O.C., St. Celestine's, Holy Cross and even after. You will be greatly missed.

Pat, Patty & Chris D'Avolio and family

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Memorial Events
for Geraldine McPartlin

Oct

20

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave., Harwood Heights, IL 60706

Oct

21

Funeral service

9:00 a.m.

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave., Harwood Heights, IL 60706

Oct

21

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

Saint Luke Church

7600 Lake Street, River Forest, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave., Harwood Heights, IL 60706

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