Evanston loses a legend – Evanston RoundTable

The calls, texts, emails and messages spread Wednesday morning, as much of Evanston woke up to the news of Delores Holmes’ death. Many of the messages were short; they were all solemn, as people quietly absorbed the fact that an Evanston icon had slipped away the day before.

JoAnn Avery, who worked with Ms. Holmes at Family Focus and is now the youth program director and case manager, informed the Roundtable of Ms. Holmes’ death just after midnight. “I’ve known her for so long,” she said through tears. She is the reason I do what I do.” Referring to Ms Holmes’ poor health in recent months, which may have slowed her down a bit, Ms Avery said: “It’s hard, but she’s no longer in pain.”

Tributes poured in from people, organizations and institutions she touched – from Family Focus, which she led for 27 years; from former colleagues at the City of Evanston, where she served as Fifth Ward Alderman for another twelve years; from the Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, where she assisted in restorative justice during her “retirement”; and from many friends and others whose lives she touched.

Her daughter, Kimberly Holmes-Ross, asked those who wanted to honor her mother on Oct. 23, a day after her death, to bring flowers and gather under her photo in the mural on the west wall of the Meals at 2 p.m. on Wheels. of the Illinois Building, at the corner of Simpson Street and Darrow Avenue. The 100 or so people brought so many flowers that vases were borrowed from Meals on Wheels and bouquets were doubled and smaller ones put into already filled vases.

“She knew this community in ways that no one else does.”

“Remember your leaders,” a preacher told the crowd of about a hundred people. “Honor a leader, a peacemaker, a visionary,” a woman who changed the world.

Elizabeth Tisdahl, who served as mayor from 2009 to 2017, said then-councilwoman Holmes was a “fantastic resource and a kind person.” I would call her before every city council meeting and consult with her (about issues). … I have learned things that (even) make me happy on a day like today.”

In a separate interview, Mayor Tisdahl told the Roundtable, “Delores knew this community in ways that no one else does.”