Community Mourns Babette “Babs” Rosenthal, 84, Local Leader

BREAKING: The Lake Bluff community is in mourning following the passing of Babette “Babs” Rosenthal, a revered village clerk and dedicated community member, who died on November 19, 2023, after a battle with ovarian cancer. Rosenthal, aged 84, is remembered for her resilience and leadership, having raised four children while actively contributing to her community.

Friends and family are reflecting on her extraordinary life. Her son, Phil Rosenthal, a former columnist for the Chicago Tribune, stated, “Her life was really good. It was not always easy, obviously, but she lived a very good life.” Babs’ journey began on Chicago’s South Side, where she exhibited a knack for leadership even as a child, organizing family events at just seven years old.

The Rosenthal family moved to Glencoe, where Babs excelled in synchronized swimming at New Trier High School, alongside actress Ann-Margret. After graduating in 1959, she attended Pembroke College and later earned a degree in child development from the University of Chicago. It was during her college years that she met her future husband, Martin Rosenthal, on a double date. They married in December 1961 and ultimately settled in Lake Bluff, drawn to its familiar North Shore ambiance.

Together, they had four children and became deeply involved in the community. Martin served on the District 65 school board and was active in the Lake Bluff Baseball Association. In contrast, Babs took on various civic roles, culminating in her election as village clerk. “She was an extremely competent, interested, and involved mother and citizen,” recalled former Lake Bluff Village President Kathy O’Hara.

Tragedy struck in December 1976 when a drunk driver collided with the Rosenthal family’s car, resulting in the deaths of Martin and their friends, Norman and Nancy Ellett. Babs survived but faced the daunting task of raising her four young children, aged just 2 to 13. “She never showed her emotions,” her brother, Lee Hess, remarked. “She powered through it.” Her son Phil echoed this sentiment, noting, “She immediately felt the responsibility of raising us was going to be preeminent.”

While nurturing her family, Babs also pursued a law degree from DePaul University and engaged in mediation and arbitration work. Her public service continued as an elected member of the Lake Forest High School board and as a trustee for Shields Township. “It was very important for her to do what you could when you could,” Phil said, emphasizing her commitment to community service.

Babs moved from her Moffett Road home in 2003 to Northfield, where she joined the board of the North Shore Senior Center. There, she leveraged her business acumen to enhance the center’s early memory-loss program. “She had a presence. She was small but mighty,” said executive director Tish Rudnicki. Babs enjoyed an active lifestyle, participating in Pilates, visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden, traveling extensively, and engaging with friends over card games and symphony concerts.

Despite her cancer diagnosis, Babs maintained a positive outlook, expressing to her loved ones that she had accomplished everything she wanted in life. “She had seen what she needed to see,” Phil shared. She leaves behind her sons Phil, Martin, Samuel, and Robert, along with five grandchildren and her brother Lee.

Plans for a memorial event are currently under consideration by her family. As the community reflects on Babs Rosenthal’s legacy, her impact as a leader, mother, and friend will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.