Viola Morrisroe, Bloomingdale's first and only female mayor, dies at 71
Viola "Vi" Morrisroe holds a unique place in Bloomingdale's 86-year history.
When she won a special election in November 1977, after the death of Village President Bob Homola, Morrisroe became the first woman ever to lead Bloomingdale.
She served until 1979 when she resigned to move out of state, but remains the only woman to hold the post.
The village lost its trailblazer Oct. 1, when Morrisroe died unexpectedly at age 71. She was a Bloomingdale resident for a total of 38 years, after moving back to the village almost two decades ago, and recently celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband, William.
During her years in Bloomingdale, Morrisroe also served as chairwoman of the planning commission from 1973-77 and was elected a village trustee in 1977. She was one of the founding members of the Old Town Historic Commission, served as chairwoman of the September Fest commission from 1984-91 and was active with the Friends of the Library, Bloomingdale Park District, Prince of Peace Church and numerous other organizations.
Current Trustee James King, who worked alongside Morrisroe since they met in 1973, said she was always an asset to Bloomingdale personally and politically.
"She certainly was a leader," King said. "She was just a wonderful person, a great personality and she was really, really smart."
Born and raised in Chicago, Morrisroe was a graduate of Foreman High School and attended Augustana College.
She is survived by her husband; her children Michael Morrisroe, Julia Morrisroe (Lance), Susan Lancaster (Larry) and Eric Morrisroe; her brother William Foss (Pamela); and her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday from Salerno's Rosedale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle, to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1213 W. Army Trail Road, Addison, with a service at 11 a.m. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to American Lung Association. For details, call (630) 889-1700 or visit salernofuneralhomes.com.