Annette Illing remembered
12
April
4/12/2008:
Hoboken resident Helen Manogue speaks about the loss of a very important person in Hoboken’s history.
Annette Illing
This is in the way of being a brief obituary. You should read it, especially if you are a new resident of Hoboken.
The name of the deceased is Annette Illing. It may not immediately strike a chord of recognition, but this talented woman who fought so hard for an ever-better Hoboken should create a symphony of remembrance and gratitude.
Annette had a questioning personality. She was not one to be misled. She inquired, and formed her own opinions no matter what community elders or even other activists thought. She was a private person who always appeared to be a reluctant public speaker but who invariably spoke up to make her well-researched points. Over many years she participated in the efforts to gain a waterfront for all people; advocated for affordable housing; lobbied for open government; supported an improved master plan. Hoboken was her town and she loved it.
If you still have the idea that Hoboken all of a sudden just burst forth to become what it is today, you have to go back and look at the lives of people like Annette Illing. She and many others literally created the Hoboken of today. Annette stood out among those many.
April 12th 2008 - 15:51:27 |
Kudos to Helen for this post.
Annette was a force of nature.
And that’s an understatement.
She leaves a huge legacy.
Login or Register to reply
April 12th 2008 - 15:55:49 |
Annette was one of my heroes. She will be missed. Rest in peace, dear friend, and may God confort Tom. I learned so much from you. Thank you.
Login or Register to reply
April 12th 2008 - 16:21:04 |
Beyond right on, Krew… Hope there’s an appropriate civic honoring, soon enough.
Login or Register to reply
April 12th 2008 - 20:32:35 |
Dan Tumpson had some nice kudos and points about Annette in the Hoboken Reporter today too, she will be missed, many people have her to thank for her stady rents and waterfront views.
Thanks for publishing this.
Login or Register to reply
April 12th 2008 - 20:33:16 |
Oops, I meant for THEIR steady rents and waterfront views (and parks)
Login or Register to reply
April 13th 2008 - 12:34:33 |
I am saddened to learn of her passing. We didn’t always agree but the town was so much better off with her. Does anyone know the cause of her death?
Login or Register to reply
April 13th 2008 - 19:36:45 |
Annette was not just a positive force for citizen rights and quality of life in Hoboken, but also a friend (along with her husband Tom) with whom my wife and I enjoyed spending time together: often at Court Street Restaurant, or at another of their favorite eateries, Beyti Kabob in Union City. And there were the hikes at South Mountain Reservation. It’s very hard to see her go.
Annette was diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2006. She had a relatively high quality of life until about two months ago.
Annette died last Thursday, May 10, at about 4:30 PM. She was cremated the next day; and no funeral services are planned. Relatives and friends are in the process of planning a memorial gathering to mourn and honor Annette.
Martin Andersen
Login or Register to reply
April 26th 2008 - 09:45:56 |
beautifully written helen..
annette was an amazing person, a great friend…my thoughts are with you tom..stay strong..natalie
Login or Register to reply
May 13th 2008 - 10:50:05 |
Tonight is the memorial service for Annette at St. Matthews.
I miss her
Login or Register to reply