Mayor of Chicago. A member of the Democratic Party, she served as the 50th Mayor of Chicago, Illinois from 1979 until 1983. She made history by becoming the first female to hold that capacity. Born Jane Margaret Burke, she received a private parochial school education and initially wished to pursue a career in the medical field. All that changed, when she became enthralled with public service after campaigning for John F. Kennedy in 1960. In 1968, she was appointed the Head of Consumer Affairs by Mayor Richard J. Daley and held that position until she was dismissed in 1977 by Mayor Michael Bilandic. She went on to defeat Bilandic for the Democratic Nomination for Mayor of Chicago in 1979. During her tenure as mayor, she implemented legislation prohibiting the possession of handguns and was an outspoken advocate for laws to protect gay rights. After leaving office, she remained out of the public eye and devoted her time to family. She suffered a stroke in 2013 which led to declining health and her death.
Mayor of Chicago. A member of the Democratic Party, she served as the 50th Mayor of Chicago, Illinois from 1979 until 1983. She made history by becoming the first female to hold that capacity. Born Jane Margaret Burke, she received a private parochial school education and initially wished to pursue a career in the medical field. All that changed, when she became enthralled with public service after campaigning for John F. Kennedy in 1960. In 1968, she was appointed the Head of Consumer Affairs by Mayor Richard J. Daley and held that position until she was dismissed in 1977 by Mayor Michael Bilandic. She went on to defeat Bilandic for the Democratic Nomination for Mayor of Chicago in 1979. During her tenure as mayor, she implemented legislation prohibiting the possession of handguns and was an outspoken advocate for laws to protect gay rights. After leaving office, she remained out of the public eye and devoted her time to family. She suffered a stroke in 2013 which led to declining health and her death.
Bio by: C.S.
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Mayor of Chicago
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