Community Remembers Babette “Babs” Rosenthal for Her Impact

Family and friends are honoring the legacy of Babette “Babs” Rosenthal, who passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 84 after a battle with ovarian cancer. A former village clerk in Lake Bluff, Illinois, Rosenthal is remembered for her resilience, leadership, and dedication to her community while raising four children.

Rosenthal was born on Chicago’s South Side and demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility from an early age. Her brother, Lee Hess, recounted how she organized his first birthday party at the age of seven while their parents were away. “Obviously someone must have been staying with us, but she took full responsibility for it,” he recalled. The family later relocated to Glencoe, where she excelled in synchronized swimming at New Trier High School, alongside actress Ann-Margret.

After graduating in 1959, Rosenthal attended Pembroke College, which later merged with Brown University, and earned a degree in child development from the University of Chicago. She married Martin Rosenthal in December 1961, and following six years in Chicago, the couple settled in Lake Bluff, drawn by its community spirit.

The Rosenthals became active in local affairs, with Martin serving on the District 65 school board and Babs taking on various civic roles, eventually being elected village clerk. Former Lake Bluff Village President Kathy O’Hara, who taught the Rosenthal children, praised her competence and dedication. “She was an extremely competent, interested and involved mother and citizen,” O’Hara stated.

Tragedy struck in December 1976 when a drunk driver collided with the car carrying the Rosenthal family, resulting in the deaths of Martin and two family friends. Rosenthal was hospitalized for two weeks before returning home to care for her four children, who were between the ages of 2 and 13. “She never showed her emotions,” said Hess. “She powered through it.”

Phil Rosenthal, a former columnist for the Chicago Tribune, echoed this sentiment, stating, “She immediately felt the responsibility of raising us was going to be preeminent. ‘I have to pull it together for them.’” Despite the profound loss, she continued to support her family and community.

While raising her children, Rosenthal earned a law degree from DePaul University and engaged in mediation and arbitration work. She also served on the board of directors of Lake Forest Bank & Trust and was an elected member of the Lake Forest High School board, as well as a trustee for Shields Township. “It was very important for her to do what you could when you could,” Phil noted.

In 2003, Rosenthal moved to Northfield and became involved with the North Shore Senior Center, where she applied her expertise to enhance the center’s early memory-loss program. Executive Director Tish Rudnicki remarked on her impactful presence: “She was small but mighty. When she spoke, people listened.”

Rosenthal had a vibrant life beyond her professional commitments. She enjoyed activities such as Pilates, visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden, playing cards, attending the symphony, and traveling extensively. “There were few parts of the world she didn’t get to at some point,” Phil said, highlighting her adventurous spirit.

Following her cancer diagnosis, Rosenthal maintained a positive outlook, telling loved ones she had no remaining items on her bucket list. “She felt she had done everything she wanted to do,” Phil shared. “She had seen what she needed to see.”

Babette “Babs” Rosenthal is survived by her sons Phil (Jennie), Martin (Robyn Newman), Samuel (Jacqueline), and Robert; her brother Lee Hess; her sister-in-law, Louise Glasser; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her longtime companions Myron Halperin and Richard Rosenzweig. The family is currently considering plans for a memorial event to celebrate her life and contributions to the community.