Karen Lewis

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Karen Lewis
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
Occupation(s)Chicago Public Schools Teacher
Chicago Teacher's Union
(President; 2010–2014)
Spouse
John Lewis (m. 1982)

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.

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]

References[change | change source]

  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. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. 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.