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

URGENT UPDATE: Babette “Babs” Rosenthal, a beloved former clerk of Lake Bluff and dedicated community figure, passed away on November 19, 2023, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 84. Family and friends are now reflecting on her inspiring life and legacy in the community.

Rosenthal’s son, former Chicago Tribune columnist Phil Rosenthal, shared heartfelt memories of his mother’s resilience, stating, “Her life was really good. It was not always easy, obviously, but she lived a very good life.” Known for her leadership and commitment, Babs overcame personal tragedy while raising four children, exemplifying strength and determination.

Born on Chicago’s South Side, Babs demonstrated her leadership skills early on, organizing her brother’s birthday party at just seven years old. After her family moved to Glencoe, she excelled in synchronized swimming at New Trier High School, alongside actress Ann-Margret. Babs pursued higher education at Pembroke College and the University of Chicago, where she earned a degree in child development.

In December 1961, she married Martin Rosenthal and eventually settled in Lake Bluff, where they became active community members. Tragically, their lives changed forever on a cold December evening in 1976, when a drunk driver struck their vehicle, killing Martin and two friends. Despite the overwhelming grief, Babs returned home after two weeks in the hospital, committed to raising her four children, who were then aged between 2 and 13.

“She never showed her emotions,” recalled her brother, Lee Hess, emphasizing her focus on her children’s well-being. Phil Rosenthal echoed this sentiment, noting her immediate sense of responsibility after the tragedy. Babs later earned a law degree from DePaul University, contributing to her community through mediation and arbitration work, and serving on the boards of Lake Forest Bank & Trust and Lake Forest High School.

Her commitment to public service continued as she held various positions, including as a trustee for Shields Township and an active member of the League of Women Voters. Former Lake Bluff Village President Kathy O’Hara praised Babs as “an extremely competent, interested and involved mother and citizen.”

In 2003, Babs moved to Northfield, where she joined the board of the North Shore Senior Center. Executive Director Tish Rudnicki highlighted her impactful presence, stating, “When she spoke, people listened.” Babs engaged in various hobbies, including Pilates, travel, and enjoying the arts, with Phil noting, “Her passport had a lot of stamps in it.”

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

Plans for a memorial event to honor Babs Rosenthal are being considered by her family, as the community comes together to celebrate her extraordinary life and lasting impact.