Lois Weisberg Obituary

Weisberg, Lois (nee Porges) Age 90, a lifelong resident of Chicago; City of Chicago Commissioner of Cultural Affairs from 1989 to 2011. As commissioner, Lois brought us Cows on Parade, the World Music Festival, created dance and art programs for students, expanded neighborhood festivals and produced many Millennium Park events. Her influence has left an indelible footprint on the dynamic Chicago cultural scene; as a founder of Friends of the Parks, to being instrumental in renovating the old Chicago Public Library into the vibrant Chicago Cultural Center, and guiding the re-opening of Navy Pier. In essence, she was an advocate and nurturer of the arts, ensuring they were accessible to all the residents of Chicago. Lois is the beloved wife of the late Hon. Bernard Weisberg; loving mother of Kiki (Marc) Ellenby, Jacob (Deborah Needleman) Weisberg, Joseph (Julia Rothwax) Weisberg and the late Jerilyn (Garon) Fyffe; adored grandmother of Adena (Walter Chefitz) Ellenby, Aliya (Marcelo Arias) Ellenby, Jody Ellenby, Levi Ellenby, Rebecca (Vito Brancato) Fyffe, Lily Weisberg, Nathaniel Weisberg and Rosa Weisberg; proud great-grandmother of Mateo Tucker, Teva Arias Ellenby and Prairie Brancato; devoted daughter of the late Mortimer and Jesse Porges; cherished sister of June (late Dr. Marvin) Rosner; treasured aunt of Jessica Rosner, Lisa Uhlmann and Julie Fishman; and was dedicated to "Her Girls" Denise, Marge and Sue. Service Monday, 1:30 p.m. at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613. Interment Westlawn Cemetery, Norridge. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Anshe Emet Synagogue or Project Onward, www.projectonward.org Info: The Goldman Funeral Group, www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com (847) 478-1600.