Obituary
Linda Rae Sher (nee Rosen), age 74, of Chicago, tireless philanthropist and political
activist, the founder of the Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC), she
generously shared her enthusiasm with tornado-like energy, inspiring all those around
her. Linda’s vision to increase women’s involvement and empowerment in the political
process led her to start JAC in 1980, the first national Jewish women’s PAC in the
country. Her unique ability to identify challengers who had potential for success
propelled her as the driving force of JAC for over 40 years, achieving national
recognition for their work on Capitol Hill.
Linda spoke across the country about what she perceived to be our most pressing
issues including a strong US-Israel relationship, reproductive choice, gun control, and
separation of religion and state. Her tenacity and determination encouraged women
across the country to engage in the political process, leading countless GOTV trips and
coordinating annual policy conferences in Washington DC.
Throughout her life, Linda combined her love and commitment to Jewish values with her
political activism. She dedicated herself to a number of philanthropic and political
organizations. She was honored by the JWA and UJC at the Library of Congress as a
trailblazer alongside Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Judy Chicago, and 16 other visionary
women. Additional recognition of her work with JAC resulted in awards from Hadassah,
Personal PAC, and the Women Making History Award from U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.
She served on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and its
Women’s Division, among others. Chicago Federation awarded her with the coveted
Young Leadership Award.
Linda was a member of the UJA National Young Women’s Cabinet and served as a
Regional Chair. She then served on the Public Affairs and Advocacy Committee of
UJC’s HSSP Pillar. Linda was a member of the Executive Committee and National
Council of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). She was one of the
founders of the National Jewish Democratic Council, where she served on the Board of
Directors. Linda was also a member of the Social Justice Task Force of JCPA.
Linda was instrumental in the development of The Committee for the Advancement of
Women in Politics, a consortium of women’s organizations in the United States and
Israel, established for the purpose of electing more women to public office in Israel.
She founded the Democratic Senatorial Women’s Council in 1991 with then-Senator
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and has served as a Director of DCCC’s Women LEAD. Linda
served on the finance committees of numerous Congressional and presidential
candidates, most recently for the campaign of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Linda was above all a devoted mother and grandmother. Nothing got in the way of her
time with her family — especially her grandchildren. While she attended many special
events at the White House and in Washington, DC over the years, her greatest thrill was
visiting those little boys.
Small in stature with a large presence, frequently referred to as the “tiny dynamo,” she
will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is predeceased by her husband of 34 years, David S. Sher. She is survived by her
son Adam (Sarah) and their children Hudson and Brandon; her daughter Jamie (Marisa
Matarazzo); her mother Lucille Rosen; and her sister Loren Friend (Howard). Linda was
a treasured “auntie” to nieces, nephews and special friends. Condolences can be sent
to: The Shers, 2841 N. Buzz Ct., Los Angeles, CA 90039
The funeral will be streamed online Tuesday, November 10 at 1 pm Chicago time at the
following link: https://www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com/memorials/linda-
sher/4416254/index.php
For the Virtual Shiva link at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 10th, please CLICK HERE
In lieu of flowers and/or food, please make a donation in memory of Linda Sher to support Dr. Ernst Lengyel’s research at the University of Chicago Medicine. Checksmay be made payable to the “University of Chicago Medicine” and sent to the following address: University of Chicago Gift Administration and Business Data, Linda Sher Memorial, 5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60615, or you can donate
online at: giving.uchicago.edu/linda-sher.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Info: The Goldman Funeral Group (847) 478-1600
Arrangements by Goldman Funeral Group. www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com
Donations
University of Chicago Gift Administration and Business Data, Linda Sher Memorial giving.uchicago.edu/linda-sher