Kane County chairman’s assistant dies

The longtime assistant to Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay is dead.

County employees were informed of the death of Jean Weems Monday afternoon in an email.

“It is our sad duty to inform you that Jean Weems, executive assistant to County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay, has passed away,” the email read. “Jean had been a Kane County employee for over 17 years. Her hard work, dedication and commitment to her job was well known by everyone. She was the glue that held together the county board office. Jean will be dearly missed.”

Funeral arrangements were still pending. Further information about the specifics of the death were not available Monday.

Weems was also a paid worker on McConnaughay’s election campaigns. McConnaughay released a brief statement on the death of her friend and colleague.

“Jean Weems was a key part of our county government for 17 years,” read the statement. “She was a part of my life every day for the past 6½ years. She was my friend. All of us who knew her loved her, and I will miss her terribly.”