Obituaries
Marilou von Ferstel, One of the 1st Women Elected to Chicago City Council, Dies at 78
Von Ferstel wasn't limited only to politics. She also built successful careers in the fields of journalism and business.
CHICAGO — Marilou von Ferstel, one of the first women elected to the City Council and who made a name for herself in the fields of politics, journalism and public relations, died last week at Rush University Medical Center. She was 78.
Beginning her professional career as a newspaper journalist, von Ferstel worked as a society reporter then a columnist for the Chicago Tribune, according to her obituary. At the time, she was one of the few women in that publication's newsroom, and she learned her craft under longtime society editor Eleanor Page.
Eventually, von Ferstel—known as Marilou Hedlund after marrying attorney Reuben Hedlund—ran for 48th Ward alderman in 1971 as a Democrat. She won the seat in the then-Republican-controlled ward and was one of two women—along with Anna Langford in the 16th Ward—to share the honor that year as being the first female members elected to the Chicago City Council.
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Von Ferstel only served one term, but she continued to stay in politics as an ally to then-Mayor Richard J. Daley. She was a member of the city's Zoning Board of Appeals, and she served on the Democratic National Committee.
Moving away from politics, von Ferstel began a third career in business and public relations. She was the director of Walgreens, chaired the Chicago Network and worked for two influential PR firms, Hill & Knowlton and Ogilvey, Adams & Rinehart, where she served as executive vice president and general manager from 1990-97.
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During her tenure at Ogilvey, Adams & Rinehart, von Ferstel was named one of the city's most influential women by Crain's Chicago Business, which called her "the insider's insider."
Von Ferstel was born Dec. 16, 1937 at Cook County Hospital and was adopted by Luise and James McCarthy. Her obituary says she was "raised by circus animals and magicians" while growing up in the Edgewater Beach Hotel.
Von Ferstel is survived by her husband, Baron Henry von Ferstel, an Austrian diplomat whom she married in 1991. She also is survived by two children and six grandchildren.
PHOTO: (Image via Shutterstock)
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