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* Out of the blue last month I received an email from former Rep. Helen Satterthwaite (D-Urbana). She asked me a question and I responded and asked how she was getting along…
At 91 plus I am doing pretty well, living at Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana, planning to be an election judge on March 17 (it will keep me from biting my nails all day waiting for results), enjoying being surrounded by friends and family. Glad my stint in the legislature was then, not now.
Always happy to read your articles. They’re great; keep them coming!
Helen served in the House from 1975 until 1993. She was remapped into Republican turf when the GOP drew the map. I was just so pleased to hear from her. She was a grande dame of the General Assembly in those days.
* Then, I received an email yesterday from former Champaign County Clerk Mark Shelden, a Republican I’ve known since he was on House GOP staff…
Rich,
Yesterday I went to vote at my polling place. An assisted living facility, Clark-Lindsey Village decided to not be a polling place and that precinct was moved into my polling place. When I went to cast my ballot, I was greeted by Helen Satterthwaite. When I was County Clerk she served as an election coordinator for me on election days and now was back to being a judge.
I was then told by one of the other judges that her one day stint as an election judge was going to require her to be quarantined at her Clark-Lindsey Village apartment for two weeks.
I posted it on my Facebook page and then one of my friends contacted WCIA. They did a story on it.
It’s amazing that it’s been 27 years since she left the GA. Old timers know her well, but everyone should admire her dedication. Perhaps during her two week quarantine a few people could drop her a note.
Helen Satterthwaite
Clark-Lindsey Village
101 W Windsor Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
* I asked for permission to publish the WCIA story in its entirety…
Voters in Illinois were hitting the polls Tuesday. While those who came out were taking precautions due to coronavirus, one election judge took the risk even though it means quarantine.
“I was all psyched up and ready to participate,” says former Illinois Representative Helen Satterthwaite. “In a way, it would have been kind of a disappointment not to participate today.”
Satterthwaite has been an election judge for longer than she can remember. Now, she is 91-years old and lives at Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana. The retirement community enacted a policy Tuesday that says residents who leave campus will have to self-quarantine when they get back. Satterthwaite was originally going to work polls at the retirement community, but she wanted to keep doing her civic duty when things changed.
“When we had to relocate, and some of the judges were no longer able to participate, I thought it would be putting a burden on the County Clerk’s Office to have myself being replaced. As well as all the others,” says Satterthwaite.
She is preparing for two weeks in quarantine. She says she knows Clark-Lindsey will take good care of her in that time. But on election day, she knew she could only be on the front lines.
“I think it’s better than sitting at home wondering what’s happening to an election,” says Satterthwaite. “It’s better to be a part of it instead.”
Click here and watch the video. She’s still got it.
* Mark sent along a photo…
*** UPDATE *** From Ms. Satterthwaite…
Wow! I haven’t had this much attention in a long while. I enjoyed the comments from so many folks that I haven’t heard from in a long time. You certainly have a good readership.
While I appreciate the attention, let’s not forget all those unsung workers who kept things going on election day — at the clerk’s office as well as at the polls. Good troupers, all.
Helen Satterthwaite
Yep. She’s right.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:35 pm
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Sounds like she earned the title of grande dame. Seems like a sweet lady to boot.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:50 pm
A bright spot among some bleak days. Thanks for this. And thank you, Helen.
Comment by The Most Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:50 pm
A role model: It’s heartwarming to see people involved in the process here in Illinois that aren’t doing it for their own self-benefit. I hope to still be on my feet and volunteering at 91!
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:52 pm
And—she has her coffee pot.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:55 pm
About 100 campaigns (and 50+ years) ago, I volunteered in
my first political campaign, for Helen’s ex, Cameron, elected as a Gene McCarthy delegate. Helen went on to her own terrific career in public life. Nice to see she continues to serve her community. Thank you for posting.
Comment by Mike Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:56 pm
This is a terrific story. I sat in the same row on the House floor as Helen when I first came to the legislature, along with Terry Steczo, Geoff Obrzut and Mary Flowers. She was an insightful and wonderful teacher and had a biting wit, too. So glad Helen’s still mixing it up!
Comment by Jeff Schoenberg Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:57 pm
I remember her. Glad she is still involved in the process.
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:06 pm
She was my landlord in Urbana many years ago.
Comment by Terry Salad Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:09 pm
She looks great, and still seems to have that spunky gleam in her eye.
Great job, Helen! (Trusting she’s got a list of projects to work on while she’s in quarantine.)
Comment by Lynn S. Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:09 pm
She was a pistol back then and appears to still have that great spirit!
Comment by Wylie Coyote Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:09 pm
I worked in State politics back in the late 80’s to early 2000’s. I haven’t seen Helen in probably 15 years, she was never my State Rep but her and Cam always treated me like family and supported me in all of my endeavors. Time goes by and old friends become memories, I feel ashamed that I haven’t kept up with her but thanks to this post I hope to catch up with her once her quarantine is over. Thanks Rich for reminding me that this incredible woman is still alive and kicking.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:16 pm
Reminds me of the days back when Joe Sapp from Lincoln and Josephine Oblinger were on the scene. She’s cut from the same cloth.
God Bless her!
Comment by Westside Springfield Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:21 pm
Helen’s the best. My mom was great friends with her and I had the pleasure to work with her on a campaign after she’d left the legislature. As someone else said, she’s a pistol(banned punctuation)
Thanks for this, Rich, and more of these please
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:52 pm
I guess Mark is no longer on the staff of the News Gazette.
Comment by filmmaker prof Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:55 pm
This is truly heartwarming.
Thanks for sharing… all of it. The whole thing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 6:30 pm
My first campaign “job” was as Helen’s 1982 field coordinator where I met Gail Purkey and Jane Strickland, who was the campaign manager. It was drawn as a solid Republican district with Helen being drawn into the same district as anti-choice Republican State Rep. and Mayor of Champaign, Virgil Wikoff, who we defeated with 57% of the vote. She is a treasure of a person and one of the finest elected officials ever. We stay in touch and I saw her recently at an Urbana memorial for the late great Bernadine Stake. Be well Helen and thank you Rich!
Comment by Cosgrove Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 7:06 pm
Beautiful story. Thank you.
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 7:08 pm
Helen, you rock!
Comment by Rutro Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 7:56 pm
Helen was my seat mate for many years. She was one of the best and brightest who was never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believed. My voting record was much better having Helen there to discuss, challenge and guide.
Comment by Terry Steczo Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 9:50 pm
I’m thrilled, but not surprised, to read this about Helen. Some of my best-ever campaign memories were working on her 1982 race, and seeing the great crew of people she inspired to come out and volunteer for her. I was a House Dem Issues staffer assigned to coordinate several Central Illinois races in that first election after the cutback amendment. So glad to see she’s still at it! At a time when we need reminders of the good people who enter public service, this was a sweet read. Thanks, Rich,
Comment by Gail Purkey Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 7:20 am
A mighty woman.
Comment by Morningstar Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 8:33 am
She was dignified and dedicated back in the day, and it’s good to see she hasn’t lost her touch. It was always a pleasure to work with her. Thanks for her address - I will definitely get a card in the mail!
Comment by Aidan Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 10:18 am
=== While I appreciate the attention, let’s not forget all those unsung workers who kept things going on election day — at the clerk’s office as well as at the polls. Good troupers, all.===
I don’t know Ms. Satterthwaite but that statement tells me she is a class act.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 12:40 pm
At U of I, I first met her when she came knocking on my door seeking votes. She was the first candidate I ever had had coming to my door. I’ve been a fan ever since.
Comment by d. p. gumby Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 1:01 pm