Feminist pioneer in Peoria dies

PEORIA, IL -- From a lovely statement from Peoria's National Organization for Women chapter: 

 

Peoria NOW lost a long-time leader, and many of us a dear friend, when Dolores Klein died early this morning.

 

Dolores, and usually her husband Ed, took their experience and passion for equality from the Civil Rights movement of the 60's to the Women's movement of the 70's, 80's, 90's and into this century, until they were slowed by health problems in recent years.

 

Dolores and Ed raised their own children plus a host of foster children, and Dolores liked to describe herself as a Homemaker for Equality during the battle for ERA ratification in Illinois.  She mentored many young feminists, wrote wonderful letters to the Editor of the Peoria Journal Star, started and circulated Peoria's Clothesline Project of t-shirts to give sexual assault survivors a way to express their feelings, and maintained more Peoria and Illinois NOW history in her mind than most of us will ever know.  Dolores served as Peoria NOW president, newsletter editor, and in other leadership roles.  Sometimes she and Ed were co-presidents.  Dolores was a recipient of local and state awards for her activism on behalf of equality for women and is listed in the Book of Life and Legacies at the National Women's Hall of Fame.

 

A Celebration of Dolores' Life is being planned for June 28 at Avanti's on Knoxville.  Further details will be described in her obituary.  Dolores is survived by Ed, who resides at Courtyard Estates, 117 N Western, Peoria 61604.  He would appreciate hearing from friends and admirers.

Comments

[Dennis Eggemeyer]

Dolores was also faithful viewer of CAPtions. Many times she called in and left a message about the topic that aired that night. I also covered a few NOW events for the show.

Prayers to Ed and rest of their family.