CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Former Chicago Teachers Union President and one-time mayoral hopeful Karen Lewis died Sunday following a years-long battle with brain cancer, a spokesperson confirmed Monday. She was 67.
"The nation has lost a true champion. Karen Lewis was one of the most powerful and prolific voices in public education, advocating for students, their families and the communities in which they live. For her tenure as president of the Chicago Teachers Union, she was the architect of today's fight for education justice," spokesperson Stephanie Gadlin said in a statement.
"As her spokeswoman, I cannot tell you how inspired I was by her leadership as well as her vulnerability as she navigated the treacherous terrain of Chicago politics. I cannot count how many times we shared tears over the plight of students and people who have been marginalized for years, or the bellows of laughter due to her biting sense of humor. Karen was my homegirl. She rocked. Our city has lost a great voice. I send my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones, friends and to the 25,000 members of the CTU. May her memory reign for all days to come and she find rest in the bosom of God."
Lewis, who retired from her role in CTU in 2018 to focus on her health, was first diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer, in 2014 as she was considering running against then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
In the spring of 2011, Lewis, leading the Chicago Teachers Union and its 32,000 members, previewed the first Chicago teachers' strike in 25 years.
Teachers walked out for seven days in 2012.
Former mayor Rahm Emanuel, who faced off against Lewis in that walkout, said he grew to have enormous respect for her.
“Karen Lewis was a tough and tireless champion for public education and for Chicago’s children, one who was never afraid to fight for what she believed in,” he wrote. “While we often found ourselves on different sides of the debate, I grew to have enormous respect for Karen and our regular conversations were a benefit to me and to the city of Chicago. May her memory be a blessing.”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot also tweeted condolences on behalf of herself and wife Amy Eshleman to Lewis’ “family, loved ones, friends and CTU family during this extremely difficult time.”
Lewis' death comes at time when the CTU and district work reach an agreement over returning to in-person learning amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"May her memory be a blessing," said current CTU President Jesse Sharkey.
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said he cherished Karen's friendship and mentorship and will always be better for it.
"I cherished Karen’s friendship and mentorship and will always be better for it. She was an amazing person, devoted teacher, champion of the professional educator and skilled leader. She was one of a kind, dedicated to her core to challenging and changing lives and communities. We are indebted to her service and leadership, for which she will be remembered and forever missed," Harmon wrote.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said her heart is heavy and calls Karen Lewis a leader, a fighter, and a visionary fiercely committed to the values of equity and justice.