Former State Rep. Jill Zwick has passed away.
When I decided to run against Bob McClory in 1980, Jill and Dick Klemm were the Republicans who won in the three-member district.
Jill came in well ahead of Klemm in the Republican primary.
After serving for three terms, she backed out in favor of her husband Mort.
That was the year that DeLoris Doederlein beat out Mort with the help of a mailing from Jack Schaffer and myself.
After the primary, I ran into Jill in the Stratton Building in Springfield and she said something to the effect, “You guys really know how to beat a guy.”
I was never certain that Jill wanted Mort to replace her in the Illinois House of Representatives.
Later Mort was elected an Appellate Court Judge in Cook County as a Democrat.
After leaving the Illinois House, Jill ran unsuccessfully for the Kane County Board…as a Democrat, I believe.
Jill Zwick
Jill Zwick, loving mother of David (Julie) Zwick, Tracy Zwick, Ashley (David Lavinsky) Zwick and Zel (Kris McEwen) Zwick. Beloved grandmother of Zachary, Zander, Isaiah, Gertie-Pearl, Samuel and Reuben. Cherished sister of William (Marie) Weitzman.
Jill was a dedicated and widely-admired public servant.
She was elected three times to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives, where she worked on behalf of her constituents with integrity and compassion.
Jill later served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun.
For more than two decades, she continued her service as Head of Intergovernmental Affairs for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, where she built enduring partnerships across all levels of government.
Beloved by all who knew her, Jill was known for her infectious laugh, her youthful style, her joy and her extraordinary ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel comfortable.
Of all her roles, nothing brought her more happiness than being a grandmother.
She was famous for arriving at each visit with gifts and surprises, including Frango mints, chosen just for the grandchildren.
Jill’s legacy of service, generosity and laughter will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Graveside service 2:00PM Thursday, October 23 at Waldheim Cemetery (Gate 275), 1700 S Harlem Ave, North Riverside, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Basser Center for BRCA would be appreciated. Arrangements by Lakeshore Jewish Funerals, 773-625-8621.
