Longtime JPNA board member passes away
by BRIAN NADIG
Longtime Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association board member Carlene "Lotty" Blumenthal died of heart-related complications on May 1. She was 82-years-old.
Blumenthal received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois in 1959 and her master’s degree from Chicago State University in 1969. Some of her post-graduate work was in England.
She worked 37 years as a teacher, mostly at Prosser and Marshall high schools.
Ms. Blumenthal was a fan of the Chicago Bears, Cubs and Bulls, sometimes calling-in to sports radio to give coaching advice. She also was a fan of the arts, attending operas, musicals and comedy shows.
She was a member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Chicago Teachers Union, Illinois Association of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of English, American and Illinois Vocational Association, Illinois Industrial Tech Education Association, Related and New Affiliate (served as executive board member), Phi Delta Kappa and Polish Education Council.
Carlene was often heard saying that her favorite quote was, "One who acts makes a difference."
Carlene is survived by her brother Carl A. Blumenthal, her nephew Carl L. Blumenthal, her great-nieces Kai Hanner and Marisa Blumenthal, as well as many maternal relatives in Southern Illinois.
A small gathering celebrating her life was held Friday, May 8, at Matz Funeral Home at 3440 N. Central Ave.
