This week has obviously been one of the toughest in my life. The death of my mother, Angela Piazza Turley, was not unexpected. She died a few days shy of her 98th birthday after a long struggle.
She was my inspiration and my North Star as a public interest lawyer. I dedicated my recent book to her as the person “who taught me that life is an unyielding passionate pursuit of justice.”
I was the baby of five kids and spent much of my childhood clinging on to her skirts for dear life as she confronted slum landlords, wife beaters, and gang bangers in the Uptown area.
As the Sun-Times reported, “Angela Piazza Turley’s backbone and willpower fueled positive change in Chicago for decades.”
She was the toughest person I have ever known. Growing up as a Sicilian coal miner’s daughter in the depression in Ohio, she learned how to fight hard to survive. My father and mother arrived in Chicago with less than $2 in their pockets at night in the dead of winter. They bought two cups of coffee (the only thing that they could afford). Before they left, my mother had a job as waitress.
Fresh from World War II, my father came to Chicago to study under Mies van der Rohe and became one of his closest associates. (He is buried near Mies at Graceland Cemetery). Even after my father became a partner in Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, my mother never forgot what it was to be dirt poor and spent her life helping others as a social worker, president of Jane Addams Hull House, and the founder of a myriad of public service groups in Chicago, including a community credit union to support local businesses and families.
She was fearless and fierce in fighting for others. She left a mark on Chicago in the lives of thousands who benefitted from her work over nine decades.
As I return to work, I wanted to say thank you to the thousands who have posted messages on my blog and my X account. I cannot express how much it has meant to me and my family. This has always been a community, but, in the last week, it felt more like an extended family. I read aloud many of your comments to my family and we felt that we were surrounded by thousands of loving arms. I never felt alone despite losing one of the central figures in my life.
I will be writing about my Mom next week as we prepare for her mass and funeral in Chicago on August 1-2 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church on the Northside of Chicago. Until then, I can only say thank you, every one of you, for being there.
I met your mom through my first wife Heather who was a friend of your sister. Your mother was a great woman as I could tell from my brief getting to know her. Thank you for remembering her.
“All are alive to Him”. (Luke 20:38). I have never understood why our priests don’t preach what we know. You will see your mom again. God Bless you and your family. Thank you for what your work has meant to me.
I don’t think that there is anything more difficult than to lose our mentor and greatest teacher in life. You were so fortunate that your greatest role model was your own mother. You can tell quite a bit about a person from their photos–your mom looks quite dapper in her red hat and lovely scarf! What I really look at are the eyes. Her eyes are so kind. She may have been a fierce advocate for her causes–but her eyes also tell the story of kindness. Such a gift. Much like my Dad (my mentor and life teacher). Although she’s met our loving Maker, her legacy truly lives on in her son (who I admire)!
God Bless YOUR MOTHER.
God Bless America, your mother and kin
I am sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing, but you are fortunate to have had her in your life for a very long time. I am sure she was very proud of you.
It is so obvious your mother gifted you with her love, gentleness and compassion. Blending that with your strengths and clarity on what is “good and right” made you both such powerful models for all of us. you have my blessings as you prepare for her celebration.
May God grant her soul peace in the world to come.
Beautiful ❤️ Tribute to Your Mom 💖🙏💖
Her goodness shines through you, Jon.
Jonathan: I am very sorry for your loss. My mother passed on February 16,2023 and it was about the worst day of my life. I too was “ the baby” (of 3) and I think there is a special bond that comes from that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. I know it was so tough because I lost my parents, still miss them a lot.
What an awesome mother, wife and woman! I am sure she was loved by thousands. What a beautiful legacy she left and an inspiration for you and your entire family. Keep her beautiful memories close to your heart.