Community Honors Resilient Leader Babette “Babs” Rosenthal

Family and friends are commemorating the life of Babette “Babs” Rosenthal, a former village clerk in Lake Bluff, who passed away at the age of 84 on November 19, 2023, due to ovarian cancer. Known for her resilience and leadership, Rosenthal balanced the responsibilities of raising four children while actively contributing to her community, even after enduring significant personal loss.

Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Rosenthal demonstrated leadership qualities from a young age. Her brother, Lee Hess, recounted a childhood memory where she organized his first birthday party at the age of seven. “She took full responsibility for it,” he said, highlighting her early sense of duty. The family later moved to Glencoe, where Rosenthal excelled in synchronized swimming during her time at New Trier High School, alongside classmate Ann-Margret.

Following her graduation in 1959, she attended Pembroke College, which later merged with Brown University, before earning a degree in child development from the University of Chicago. It was during this period that she met her future husband, Martin Rosenthal, on a double date. The couple married in December 1961 and eventually settled in Lake Bluff, where they became integral members of the community.

Rosenthal’s commitment to public service was evident in her various roles, including her election as village clerk. “She was an extremely competent, interested and involved mother and citizen,” stated former Lake Bluff Village President Kathy O’Hara, who taught the Rosenthal children. Rosenthal also actively participated in the Lake Bluff chapter of the League of Women Voters, where her leadership skills shone through.

Tragedy struck in December 1976 when a drunk driver collided with the Rosenthal family’s vehicle, killing her husband and two friends. This devastating event left her a single mother to four children, aged between 2 and 13. Despite her grief, Rosenthal focused on raising her children. “She powered through it,” recalled her brother. Her son, Phil Rosenthal, echoed this sentiment, saying, “She immediately felt the responsibility of raising us was going to be preeminent.”

While raising her family, Babs pursued further education and earned a law degree from DePaul University. She later engaged in mediation and arbitration work and served on the board of directors for Lake Forest Bank & Trust. Her public service continued as she was elected to the Lake Forest High School board and became a trustee for Shields Township. “It was very important for her to do what you could when you could,” Phil explained regarding her community involvement.

In 2003, she moved to Northfield but remained dedicated to community service. At the North Shore Senior Center, she applied her business expertise and became particularly involved in enhancing the center’s early memory-loss program. “She had a presence. She was small but mighty,” noted Tish Rudnicki, the center’s executive director. “When she spoke, people listened.”

Rosenthal enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including Pilates, visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden, playing cards, and extensive travel. Her son remarked on her adventurous spirit: “There were few parts of the world she didn’t get to at some point.”

After her cancer diagnosis, she maintained a positive outlook, expressing to her family that she felt she had accomplished everything on her bucket list. “She had seen what she needed to see,” Phil said, reflecting on her acceptance of life’s journey.

She is survived by her four 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 long-time companions, Myron Halperin and Richard Rosenzweig. The family is currently considering plans for a memorial event to honor her legacy.

In remembering Babette “Babs” Rosenthal, her community reflects on a life characterized by leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family and service. Her impact on Lake Bluff and beyond will not be forgotten.