Veterans Advocate, Congressional Aide Lenore Goodfriend Dies At 77
OAK LAWN, IL — Like her name, veterans had no better friend than Lenore Goodfriend, who died Oct. 14 at age 77. Goodfriend was a long time Oak Lawn resident and an aide to former Congressman Bill Lipinski and, later, his son Congressman Dan Lipinski.
Goodfriend went to work for Congressman Bill Lipinski in 1994. Looking to make inroads into the south suburban area of his district, Goodfriend came highly recommended by his chief of staff.
"Lenore was a good political person," Lipinski said. "Because she knew so many people and was involved in Oak Lawn organizations, I was advised to seriously consider hiring her. Once I got to know her I wanted to hire her."
As a congressman, Bill Lipinski transplanted his experience as a Chicago alderman of fixing problems like potholes and overhanging tree limbs to his congressional office helping constituents navigate federal benefits, services and agencies. He put Goodfriend in charge of assisting the veterans who contacted the district seeking help.
Word of mouth quickly spread about the "wonderful woman" in Congressman Lipinski's office who helped veterans.
""There was no question that she was a strong advocate for veterans," the older Lipinski said. "Not only did she handle veteran affairs in my office, but for other veterans outside the district because they heard about the good job she did. If they needed something, she helped. It wasn't political; she was interested in doing good for as many people as possible."
Goodfriend transitioned to working for Lipinski's son, Dan, who replaced his father on the 2004 ballot when Bill Lipinski withdrew his name after winning the primary and announced his retirement. Theirs would be a political reign that lasted 45 years.
"Lenore was one of the nicest, sweetest people I have ever known," Dan Lipinski said. "She was also a good politician. She had been involved in local politics for decades. She had an eye for the political angle of issues."
Upon Goodfriend's retirement from federal service in 2012, Congressman Dan Lipinski honored her with a proclamation from the congressional floor:
"Lenore is a compassionate and selfless public servant who has been active in her community In Oak Lawn and serves on the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 women's auxiliary," according to the written proclamation. "During her time in my office, she has helped countless members of the military with everything from dealing with the VA to obtaining medals they earned but never received. More than one constituent has remarked that her last name is no accident: she is truly a 'good friend' to those in need of assistance. Between balancing personal obligations and serving the public, Lenore is a true inspiration for her family, friends, and colleagues ..."Goodfriend was a cancer survivor and earlier this year got to spend time with extended family. She was a fixture at Johnson-Phelps, helping with events or holding court in the lounge where she was known to play her favorite singer Usher on the jukebox, or the machines.
Goodfriend was born a Daley, one of seven children – Marijean (Hugh) O'Connell, Margaret Daley, Judy Daley, Eugene (Sandy) Daley, and the late Elizabeth (Steven) Ferencevich, & Dennis (Barbara) Daley.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Goodfriend. She was the cherished mother of Ann (William) Phillips, the loving grandmother of three and great-grandmother of three, a devoted aunt of many nieces and nephews, and a loyal and treasured friend of many.
Visitation for Lenore Goodfriend will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home , 5570 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, where services will take place Monday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.
