In Tribute: Lisa Schneider Fabes was ‘unsung hero’ in Chicago and beyond

Lisa Schneider Fabes, a former Wilmette School Board member, political consultant and community builder, died on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 60 years old.

Fabes is survived by her husband, Brian Fabes; son, Asher Gene, and twin daughters, Leah Elise and Ariel Mollie; parents, Stephen and Barbara Schneider; and sibling, Daniel Schneider.

A service for Fabes was held Monday, Sept. 29, at Congregation Sukkat Shalom in Wilmette. Family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions in Fabes’ memory be made to The Unity Forum, 4518 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653.

Fabes grew up in St. Louis and eventually earned degrees from the University of Michigan and IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. She spent two years (1989-’91) in Guatemala volunteering with the Peace Corps and also spent time serving the Chicago Housing Authority and Chicago Public Schools.

A Wilmette resident for approximately 15 years, Fabes was elected to the D39 Board of Education in 2017, earning reelection in 2021 and serving as the board’s president from 2019-’21.

As a School Board member, Fabes helped guide Wilmette D39 through COVID-19 disruptions, as well as hire a new superintendent, launch a kindergarten enrichment program and install a statement of inclusion.

Brian Fabes told the Chicago Tribune that he believes his wife liked making an impact within her own community.

Fabes also sat on the board of Congregation Sukkat Shalom; RISE Chicago, a nonprofit supporting inclusive practices in Chicago; and the Wilmette chapter of the National Charity League. She also supported the League of Women Voters.

Professionally, Fabes founded and ran a management consulting firm. She fought to reduce gun violence on Chicago’s West Side and oversaw $30 million in funding as director of the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund.

Pastor Chris Harris Sr., of Chicago churches Bright Star and St. James, worked alongside Fabes with The Unity Forum and in a tribute post on Facebook called her “one of Chicago’s unsung heroes” for her behind-the-scenes work on several impactful projects.

“Lisa’s life reminds me of a shooting star. A shooting star does not remain in the sky for long, but when it appears, it streaks across the darkness with such brilliance that everyone stops to watch in wonder,” he wrote. “…Lisa may not have walked with us for decades, but in the days we were privileged to share with her, she illuminated our vision, lit up our path, and left a trail of excellence that we will never forget.”

Fabes worked with former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, on his first election campaign, and years later, worked closely with former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot between 2015 and 2021. She was chief operating officer for Lightfoot’s election campaigns in 2018 and 2019 and served as a senior advisor in the mayor’s office. Fabes then worked for World Business Chicago, an economic development nonprofit of which Lightfoot is the chairperson.

Fabes founded a consulting firm prior to working on Lightfoot’s campaign and went back to consulting in 2019, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Most recently, Fabes joined forces with fellow Wilmette resident Phil Andrew to manage his campaign for Congress.

In a statement, Andrew said on Monday, Sept. 29, “Pausing today to remember our dear friend, Lisa Schneider Fabes — one of our first supporters to jump in with both feet to recently taking the reins as our campaign manager. From crazy youth soccer carpooling with our daughters to taking on the enormity of Chicago violence, Lisa was a wing woman anybody engaged in hard, impactful work sought.

“Her smile, laugh, wit, and dedication to impact will endure. Thank you for your friendship, collaboration and belief in me. Rest in peace, my fierce friend.”

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