Mary York. Photo by Hal Baim, Windy City Media Group, 2007.________________
Chicago attorney Mary York died Jan. 23 after a long battle with renal cancer. She was 52.
York was among the most respected attorneys in Chicago, serving as legal support and advisor to countless gay and lesbian individuals, organizations and businesses. As part of the firm Mulryan and York, she was inducted with her legal partner Rosemary Mulryan into the Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2004.
York also volunteered her time extensively in the community, including as president of the board of the Lesbian Community Cancer Project. She also served on the board of the Heartland Alliance for Human Rights and Needs, and for more than 15 years provided legal services without charge to such organizations as Gerber/Hart Library, Horizons, Mountain Moving Coffeehouse and many more.
Mary York was also the attorney for 20 years for Outlines and then when Outlines purchased Windy City Times in 2000, York oversaw the merger. 'She was an amazing attorney, advisor, mentor and friend,' said Tracy Baim, Windy City Times' publisher.
Mulryan and York opened in 1989 and they were among the first firms to be openly lesbian-owned. Their focus was on LGBT families, relationships and institutions, and also real estate issues. York gave advice and also lobbied for legal change, and also served as a role model for many law students and community activists.
During York's long battle with cancer, partner LaGenia Bailey and many friends and family members rallied to help her.
'My heart is broken but through your support and love we will be sustained during this time,' Bailey wrote to friends the night York died.
Mary York was preceded in death by her mother Arlene York. In addition to her loving partner LaGenia Bailey, she is survived by her father Alvin York, sister Cindy ( Larry ) Eichler and brother John York; niece and nephew, Stephanie and Jason, and six grandnieces and nephews. She was also the godmother of John Henry and Beatrice. Her leaving will be felt by many but especially by LaCena and Lilburn Bailey, Rosemary Mulryan, Gary Morgan, Supie Dunbar, Mary Waterman, John Kimbrough and the Brown-Hunt Family.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 27, 1-6p.m., at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western.
Funeral service Monday, Jan. 28, 11 am, at Unity Church of Chicago, 1925 W. Thome.
See next week's Windy City Times for an interview with York conducted last fall.
