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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE HONORABLE DONA GERSON
WHEREAS, Dona Gerson represented the best qualities of citizenship and humanity through her life-long work as an elected official and community leader. She served as an Evanston Alderman, Library Trustee and was active in politics her entire life. When she died on July 10, 2015 she left behind a family, countless friends and a community profoundly enriched for having known her; and
WHEREAS, Dona Gerson was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. She met her husband of over 61 years, Stan Gerson during her first year of law school at Case Western Reserve. Both Dona and Stan took career detours and left Akron for Chicago, and finally settled Evanston. She left the law for teaching and the two settled in South Evanston where they raised their two children Lisa and Michael and became politically involved in the movements promoting fair housing and school desegregation in addition to many other local issues; and ;
WHEREAS, Dona Gerson had a lifelong interest in politics that began very early; she was a self-described "political junkie" who enjoyed discussing politics. When the Gersons were in their 40s, they spent a year in London during her husband's sabbatical. While there, Dona was exposed to a radio show that interested her. When she returned, she pitched the idea of doing a similar program to WBEZ, Chicago's Public radio station. Dona became a radio host of a program that featured interesting content from current magazine articles; and
WHEREAS, Dona Gerson was an admired and longtime member of the League of Women Voters of Evanston, generously supporting the organization for decades and tirelessly mentoring the organization's newest leaders; her generosity with her time was legendary. As a valued member of the League she worked tirelessly, advocating for justice and equality for all. She was active on the North Shore Summer Project, an...
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