Natalie Heineman Obituary

Heineman, Natalie Goldstein a pioneering champion for children's welfare, died at the age of 96 on February 28, 2010, in her native city of Chicago, IL. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a persistent advocate for social services for children and youth, an expert on adoption and foster care issues, an independent woman of intellect who always followed her heart, and as a beautiful person, inside and out, devoted to family and friends. She was a kind and selfless person, beloved by all she met. Her remarkable marriage to Chicago business and civic leader Ben W. Heineman Sr. lasted nearly 75 years. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ben, her daughter, Dr. Martha Heineman Pieper (Dr. William Pieper) of Chicago, and her son, Ben W. Heineman Jr. (Cristine Russell) of New Canaan, CT, grandchildren, Thalia Field (Jamie Jewett and son Benjamin), Dr. Jessica Heineman-Pieper (Dr. Param Srikantia), Johanna Heineman-Pieper, Victoria Stein (Jotham and son Gershon), Zachary Heineman, and Matthew Heineman, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Natalie Goldstein was born on March 16, 1913, on the south side of Chicago and lived in the city throughout her life. She graduated from the University of Chicago and did graduate work there before becoming a medical social worker. Ben and Natalie married on April 17, 1935, and she went on to lead many local and national civic and charitable organizations. She became the first woman president of the Chicago Child Care Society in 1966 and later the president of the Child Welfare League of America, which named a national award for outstanding service to children in her honor. She was one of the first women on the United Way of America national board. Other local service included the Citizens' Committee of the Juvenile Court of Cook County; the visiting committee of the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and the board of the Erikson Institute for Early Childhood Education. Natalie was an intrepid family photographer, a lover of opera and symphony, and an avid studio glass collector with her husband Ben. In 2006, they donated their renowned collection to the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY. The family would like to thank Dr. Neil Stone for his devotion and care. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Chicago Child Care Society, 5467 S. University Ave. Chicago IL 60615. 773-643-0452 or www.cccsociety.org. Interment will be at the Heineman family mausoleum in Wausau, WI. A private memorial service is being planned.