MaryLu Hahn, 66, retired attorney and wife of Berwyn Ald. ( 3rd Ward ) Margaret "Marge" Paul, died Sept. 16 following a four-year battle with breast cancer.
Former Oak Park Village Trustee Ray Johnson relayed Hahn's death to Windy City Times.
She was born Aug. 15, 1949, in Chicago and grew up in Westchester, Illinois. Hahn graduated from Loyola University with a BS in Anthropology/History and received a Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School. She attended Marygrove College where she studied Humanities/Philosophy prior to transferring to Loyola University.
Hahn joined the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe, Michigan right out of high school and spent ten years there growing in her faith in God.
She is survived by Paul, her mother Lucille Hahn, her siblings ( John, Robert, Joanne, Julie, Rita and Janet ), Paul's siblings ( Rick, Victor and Beth ), and 26 nieces and nephews. Hahn was preceded in death by her father John, Paul's parents ( Peggy and Ray ) and Paul's brother John.
Hahn and Paul were a couple for 34 years before marrying Nov. 16, 2013, on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Prior to retiring, Hahn was a partner at Clausen Miller PC and previously worked at Centaur Insurance Company, Millers National Insurance Company and Liberty Mutual.
Hahn and Paul were two of the original members of BUNGALO, Berwyn United Neighborhood Gay and Lesbian Organization. She was also involved with the Independent Voters of Berwyn for many years.
"I'll miss MaryLu's laughter and love of life," said longtime friend Ted Korbos.
"MaryLu was a remarkable woman who left her imprint on all she met," said longtime friend and urban planner Sandi Radtke. "She would bring clarity to issues whether local or national. MaryLu had boundless energy which she shared unabashedly. She will be dearly missed by those who loved her."
"MaryLu and Marge were a dynamic couple; fully committed to one another, their community and in the cause of equality for LGBT people," said Johnson. "Their partnership provided strength and inspiration to all of us and together, they stood up against those who too often work to divide us. MaryLu's passing is a huge loss for those closest to her, and for those of us who were motivated to do more because of her, I know we will carry on in her name."
"If I had to pick one word to describe MaryLu it would be 'ballsie'," said longtime friend Jose Ramirez. "She was never shy about giving her opinion but she did it in a way that never invalidated others' opinions but add more to the conversation. This is truly heartbreaking. I will miss hearing her point of view and working with her on political issues. I'm disappointed that she won't be there in November to see me marry my partner of 25 years."
The wake will be held Sunday, Sept. 20, from 3-9 p.m. at Hursen Funeral Home 4001 Roosevelt Rd., Hillside, Illinois. A funeral mass will take place Monday, Sept. 21 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Leonard Catholic Church 3318 Clarence Ave., Berwyn, Illinois. A gathering and prayers will take place at Hursen Funeral Home at noon on Monday, prior to proceeding to St Leonard's for the funeral mass.
