Ruth Lerner Obituary

Lerner MD, Ruth Geyer Born December 8th, 1923, Vejprty, Czech Republic. Passed away October 16th, 2012, Berwyn, Illinois (Chicago). Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society, Physician, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister-in-Law, Friend, Activist, Sportswoman, and Artist. Dr. Ruth Geyer Lerner passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long battle with vascular dementia. Her incredible strength and life force stayed strong until her death. A twin, Ruth and her sister, Inge were born in the small town of Vejprty, now in the Czech Republic. Her mother, Louise Heller was Jewish and father, George Geyer, a Lutheran. The family lived happily until the rise of the Nazi Party when they were forced into hiding during World War II. Her mother's family had been sent to concentration camps but Ruth, Inge, Louise and George managed to survive many challenges and the war ended with the family intact. Her family emigrated first to England, where they were unable to secure visas to stay, and then to the US where they eventually settled in Chicago where she was able to fulfil her lifelong ambition of becoming a Pediatrician. Being accepted into Medical School after many struggles, she met, fell in love and married Dr. Herbert Lerner. After qualifying as pediatricians, the couple set up practice in Hyde Park where they provided care and kindness to all of their patients and families for over 50 years. Sometimes giving treatment without taking payment from families who were on low incomes, the pair would never turn anyone away. They had 3 children Claude, Peter and Heidi who all grew up in Kenwood/Hyde Park. Ruth's energy was always her strength, never giving up on her passion for life. She had many friends and campaigned for civil rights and the peace movement during the 1960s and '70s, marching on Selma, Cicero and Washington D.C. with Dr Martin Luther King and many of her friends and colleagues. Her passion for equality for all and peace led her and, her husband, Dr. Herbert Lerner to host many fundraisers at their family home on 49th and Greenwood Ave in Kenwood. Dr Martin Luther King, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan were among those who visited the house for fundraising events. During this period Ruth also held weekly 'Hootenannies' where friends would sing folk songs, play guitar and talk about their ideas, thoughts and dreams for a peaceful world where all were equal and freedom reigned. A brilliant pediatrician, Ruth was also a lover of nature, a talented artist and craftsperson; hand making furniture and ornaments. In fact anything Ruth turned her hand to she became expert in. Her passion for sport was infectious always encouraging others to be strong and active in life. A versatile athlete, she competed in women's shot put, tennis and swimming. Ruth's husband, Herbert Lerner; sons, Claude and Peter; daughter, Heidi; grandchildren, Camille, Luke, Jasmine and Matthew; twin sister, Inge; friends and family will miss her dearly. The memorial service to honor the life of Dr. Ruth Lerner will to be held on Sunday, November 18th, at 2:00 p.m. at SGI-USA Chicago Buddhist Center, 1455 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. Phone: 312-913-1211. All families, friends and old patients are welcome to join this event.