Carmen Dyse-Ellis
Carmen Dyse-Ellis, born Aug. 22, 1958, taught at Gale Academy for 21 years. She was the Science and Lang. Arts teacher for grades 7 and 8. A devoted teacher, she many times worked extra with her children one on one, and even brought them to her home where she lived above her mother’s apt. on S. Halsted St. Carmen wrote plays and inspiring poetry. Her students could call her at any time about anything. Carmen was so faithful to being in school that when she died of cancer Nov. 27, 2008 she still had 100% of her sick leave.
Mary Jo Doyle
Mary Jo Doyle, born April 8, 1939, was a founding member and Executive Director for the Rogers Park/ West Ridge Historical Society in 1975. A member of the Historical Society for 28 years, she co-authored two books about Rogers Park, “Chicago’s Far North Side” and “Neighborhoods within Neighborhoods”. She was known as the “Voice of 1000 stories”, having interviewed countless people for their personal recollections. Mary Jo was extremely active in Rogers Park. She was a member of the Rotary of Chicago-Rogers Park, the Rogers Park Lions Club, and the Far North Side Women’s Network. She died Dec. 17, 2007.
Tobey Prinz
Tobey Prinz, born Nov. 3, 1911, was a charter member of the Chicago Teacher’s Union in 1937. In the early 1950’s Tobey Prinz and other activists formed the Rogers Park Community Council. She was best known as the leader of the 1954 campaign to save Rogers Park’s beaches from high rise development, thus preserving the beach as public space. Tobey founded the Rogers Park Tenants Committee, fought for racial integration, and was known citywide as a key organizer for the Tenant Bill of Rights in Chicago. She also served on the board of the Howard Area Community Center. A community leader and outspoken activist, Tobey Prinz died June 26, 1984.
