Karen Lewis

Karen Lewis (June 26, 1953 – February 7, 2021) was an American Chicago Public Schools teacher and labor leader. She was the president of the Chicago Teachers Union from 2010 to 2014. She was a former King College Prep High School and Lane Technical High School chemistry teacher. She was a teacher for 22 years.

Karen Lewis
Karen Lewis.png
Born(1953-06-26)June 26, 1953
DiedFebruary 7, 2021(2021-02-07) (aged 67)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Cause of deathGlioblastoma
Alma materKenwood Academy
Mount Holyoke College
Dartmouth College
OccupationChicago Public Schools Teacher
Chicago Teacher's Union
(President; 2010–2014)
Spouse(s)
John Lewis (m. 1982)

Lewis was considering running for Mayor of Chicago in 2015.[1] In July 2014 poll, Lewis defeated Emanuel in a hypothetical electoral contest by 45-36 .[2] She decided not to run for mayor due to health issues and endorses Chuy Garcia.

On October 9, 2014, Lewis was hospitalized for a "serious illness".[3] At the time, no further details about Lewis' health have been revealed.[3] On October 13, a source confirmed that Lewis had been diagnosed with glioblastoma.[4]

Lewis died from problems caused by the cancer in Chicago on February 7, 2021 at the age of 67.[5]

Karen Lewis Media

References

  1. Natasha Koerecki, "Chicago Sun-Times," "Karen Lewis inches closer to run — crafting exploratory committee" http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/karen-lewis-inches-closer-run-—-crafting-exploratory-committee/tue-07152014-1251am
  2. Korecki, Natasha (July 14, 2014). "Exclusive poll: Karen Lewis could give Rahm run for his money". Chicago Sun-Times. http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/exclusive-poll-karen-lewis-could-give-rahm-run-his-money/mon-07142014-334pm. Retrieved 18 July 2014. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 Perez, Juan. "CTU may offer details today on Karen Lewis' health". chicagotribune.com.
  4. Ahern, Mary Ann. "Karen Lewis Has Brain Tumor: Source". NBC Chicago.
  5. Karp, Sarah. "Karen Lewis, Chicago Union Leader Who Set Off A Wave Of Teacher Activism, Dies". WBEZ. Retrieved February 8, 2021.