Rolling Meadows alderman who cast key shelter vote dies

A former Rolling Meadows alderman who cast the swing vote allowing the construction of an emergency shelter for domestic violence victims in one of the city's residential neighborhoods has passed away.

Suzanne Jungmann, then alderman of the city's Third Ward, originally sided with opponents who felt that the 40-bed shelter was out of character with the surrounding residential neighborhood and that it might bring crime into the area.

But after learning more about the women and children it would house, and the organization that had raised funds to build it Women in Need Growing Stronger, or WINGS she reconsidered and in 2003 cast the deciding vote.

Mrs. Jungmann, who served on the city council from 1995 to 2003, passed away on Sunday. She was 85.

“We've helped thousands of women and children because of her,” said Rebecca Darr, WINGS executive director. “She's the reason we have the shelter in Rolling Meadows.”

It was Darr and WINGS board President Rita Canning of Inverness who responded to an invitation from Jungmann to come to her home and describe the shelter and its residents.

“She asked lots of questions, particularly about the children who would be helped,” Darr said. “Leading up to the vote, she withstood lots of pressure from the surrounding neighbors. Even on the night of the vote, they came out.

“But she stood firm and said, ‘For the sake of the children, I vote yes',” she added.

Rolling Meadows Mayor Ken Nelson served with Mrs. Jungmann on the council. He described her as a conscientious member who had the best interest of the entire city at heart.

“I don't think she ever missed a meeting,” Nelson said. “She always studied the issues and talked to people and ultimately formed her decision based on what was best for the city.”

Mrs. Jungmann served under former Mayor Tom Menzel, and the two worked well together, colleagues said. Together they formulated the idea of building a Rolling Meadows museum that would showcase the city's founding and its role in the growth of the Northwest suburbs.

“Suzanne was one of the originals, who had the idea to preserve the city's history,” said Alice Fitzgerald, who later helped create the Rolling Meadows Historical Society.

The Rolling Meadows Historical Museum is unique in its design as a replica of the first ranch-style homes constructed in the community by Kimball Hill. Visitors feel as though they are transported back to an actual home of a 1950s Rolling Meadows homemaker.

“We've had people visit from all over the world who want to come and see our museum,” Fitzgerald said.

Mrs. Jungmann is survived by her husband, Richard, as well as her daughters Beverly and Marilee (Samir) Hanna and two grandchildren.

Private services are being held.