Cook County Commissioner Joan Murphy Dies

COOK COUNTY, IL — Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy died Sunday, Sept. 18 after a long battle with cancer.

Murphy represented the 6th District, which includes a large portion of the south suburbs, specifically Bedford Park, Justice, Bridgeview, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Worth, Alsip, Crestwood, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Dolton, South Holland, Thornton, Homewood-Flossmoor, Matteson, Lynwood, Chicago Heights, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, Richton Park and Steger.

She was first elected to the commissioner seat in 2002, and last elected in 2014. She served on almost every committee during her 14 years on the board.

"She cared deeply about and was a champion for working people, and chaired the Board's Labor Commission," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in a release.

Murphy "was a thoughtful legislator, a class act respected by and considerate of her colleagues, ever kind to others and possessed a good sense of humor," Preckwinkle went on to say.

Before her time as commissioner, Murphy served as Crestwood's first Village Clerk; she won the title in 1965. She then moved on to become Worth Township Clerk, and eventually Worth Township Supervisor.

A native-born Bostonian, Preckwinkle remarked that her accent still shone through.

"A discerning ear could still pick up on some inflections of that unique dialect when she spoke," Preckwinkle said, "and Joan often joked that she was working hard on her Cook County accent.

"She was fully committed and dedicated to the residents of Cook County...."

Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta shared the news and condolences on his Facebook page.

"She will be greatly missed," he wrote.

Preckwinkle recognized Murphy's career as "one that even those of us who have spent years in government can admire."

Fellow commissioner Jeffrey Tobolski (16th District) commented on Murphy's passion and advocacy for her constituents.

"A trailblazer and advocate for all she served, especially women," Tobolski wrote. "She will be missed but is with her husband now, who she never stopped talking about."

Details on funeral arrangements were not yet available early Sunday evening.

photo via Cook County Government Website