State Rep. Esther Golar who represented a very diverse geography including JUF headquarters at 30 S. Wells, Jewish Child & Family Services/JVS Chicago offices on Jackson, and Holy Cross Hospital in Marquette Park, died in hospice Sept. 21.

A fighter until the very end, Golar checked herself out of the hospital on Sept. 1 against doctor’s orders, travelled to Springfield, and wheeled herself into the House Chambers at the Capital so that she could take part in a critical vote.

Throughout her life, Rep. Golar advocated for safer streets, better services for seniors and disabilities, quality classroom education, equal access to healthcare, and economic development.

Born in Chicago where she grew up in a cold-water flat, Golar attended Malcolm X College, worked as a CAPS coordinator and in the General Assembly beginning in 2005.

Rep. Greg Harris, who worked with her closely when he chaired the House Appropriations Committee on Human Services, described her as a lawmaker who was “quiet in her caring but never lost sight of those who dealt with some of life’s struggles.”

“Representative Golar was a wonderful legislator to partner with,” said Suzanne Strassberger, associate vice president of JUF Government Affairs, who worked with Rep. Golar on human service legislation. “She was smart about people, focused on success, and she never let her ego stand in the way of moving a bill forward. She will be deeply missed.”