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Family, friends, and the community celebrate the life of Mollie West

On Saturday, October 3, a crowd of about 50 people gathered at Piper Hall, on Loyola's Lakeshore Campus, to celebrate the life of Mollie West. Mollie's son, Steven West, as well as Mollie's colleagues and friends, shared memories of her friendship and leadership. Using photos and objects from the Mollie West Collection, the Women and Leadership Archives created a small exhibit displayed at the event.

Longtime leader of both the Chicago labor movement and the Illinois Labor History Society, Mollie West passed away at the age of 99, on August 7. To learn more about the life and accomplishments of Mollie West, see the for her collection held here at the WLA.

Here are some photos from the reception on October 3.

L-R: Steven West, son of Mollie West, Nancy Freeman, Director of the WLA.

Exhibit created by the WLA

Steven West, son of Mollie West

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Timothy Bedard gave a performance on the French horn, the instrument that Mollie West played.

Event MC, Larry Spivack, President, Illinois Labor History Society

‌Mary Ann Smith, Former Alderman 48th Ward

Linn Orear, Illinois Labor History Society

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Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250/CTU Number 16 Retired Members Chapter

Katie Jordan, President Chicago Coalition of Labor Women

Lisa Oppenheim, Illinois Labor History Society

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Family and close friends of Mollie West
First row: Ann Fuller, David Weinstein, Sarah Sheiman Kanizer
Second row: Steve West, Martin Sheiman
Third row: Jodi Halen, Marge Sheiman