Isabelle Bennett, 88, of Elmhurst, at rest May 12, 2007, preceded in death by her mother, Isabelle Theresa Kennedy Bennett, hre father, Clarence Bennett and two aunts, Myrtle Bennett and Cora Houchen. Born on Nov. 6, 1918, Ms. Bennett moved to Elmhurst in 1922 and remained in the same home until she moved to the DuPage Convalescent Center of Wheaton in late 2000. Graduating from York High School in 1938, she received a Bachelor’s Degree from Elmhurst College in 1942 and, soon after a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois. She taught school in Elmhurst for 33 years and later worked for Jewel Food Store, in Elmhurst and also delivered telephone books for R.R. Donnelly of Chicago. In 1960 she began volunteer work for the Republican Party, walking in parades, going door to door and working phone banks. Isabelle made sure everyone in her precinct voted on Election Days. “We all loved Isabelle” said former Illinois House Speaker Lee Daniels. “She kept track of every resident in our neighborhood and when someone new moved in, she made sure they were registered to vote. Her enthusiasm and dedication, on behalf of Republican candidates, like myself, made her one of our best precinct workers.” Friends may visit Wednesday, May 16, at the Pedersen-Ryberg Mortuary,435 N. York Rd., Elmhurst, from 8 a.m. until time of service at 9 a.m. Interment Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, Chicago. Memorials, in Isabelle’s name, to the DuPage Convalescent Center Foundation, 400 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187 appreciated. Info, 630-834-1133 or www.pedersenryberg.com
