Jean Birkenstein Washington

Jean Birkenstein Washington (1926-2003), a Chicago educator, artist, mathematician and civil rights activist who challenged segregation in the city’s public schools, died Saturday, June 28, 2003 of respiratory illness. She was 77. Read more

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“Why we buried our mom in a pet cemetery” A tribute to Jean by her son, Robin Washington, published in the July 26 Boston Herald and the July 27 Chicago Sun Times (Page 1)
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“Her daughter Robin told the Chicago Sun-Times…” The story of Jean’s last wishes has been quoted – and misquoted – around the world. She would have gotten a laugh from this.
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Jean was interred on Monday, July 7, 2003, at the Aarrowood Pet Cemetery in accordance with her wishes. Rabbi Capers Funnye presided. Aarrowood is at 24090 N Highway 45, Vernon Hills, Illinois, 1-1/2 mile northwest of the junction of Milwaukee Road & Half Day Road.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the Francis W. Parker School at Clark and Webster, Chicago.

An Earth Day/Birthday celebration was held April 22, 2004 in honor of Jean. Click here for photos and more information.

“Cats, Chicago, Vice Lords & Other Visions,” a retrospective exhibit was held spring 2005 at “The Playground” in Duluth, Minnesota.
Click here for photos and more information.