Today many Oak Parkers gathered to say goodbye to Grace Naftaly.  She was the mother of former Mayor Jerry Naftaly, and well known and very much loved by the community.  At 101, nearly 102 years of age, Mrs. Naftaly was Oak Park’s oldest resident and was affectionately known as the “First Mother” of Oak Park.

Many years ago, my grandmother went to the Oak Park Senior Center nearly every day, and met Grace there.  They would play bingo there, chat, and often went on the Senior Trips, especially to the casinos.  My grandmother would tell me that Grace was so proud of “my son, the Mayor” and loved talking about her family, and how proud she was of her children and grandchildren.

In 2013, Grace Naftaly was honored in the Oak Park Independence Day Parade as a Centenarian.

My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the Naftaly family.  May her memory be a blessing.