Lori Bergman of Joliet remembered for philanthropy, compassion

Joliet and Will County community members are sharing their memories and thoughts about Lori Bergman, who died at the age of 63 on Monday.

When Bergman first moved to Joliet from Aurora, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties was one of the first organizations she served.

At the time Lisa Morel Las, executive director of the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, was chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

Las said Bergman wanted to get involved in the community, so Las suggested serving on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, which Bergman did.

Bergman also joined Holly Club of Joliet and later became its president.

Las said Bergman was down-to-earth and eager to assist the community, which included serving meals at a homeless shelter or visiting nursing home residents over the holidays. Las said Bergman also opened her home to two rescue cats.

“She was always very caring, considerate and wanted to help others,” Las said.

“She wanted to do her best for the community, and she just had a heart for people. And I just think she was an amazing woman – and an amazing role model to so many of us in the community.”

—  Helen Ross of Joliet

“Genuine” was Jay D. Bergman of Joliet’s first impression of Lori when he met his future wife at a bank event about 20 years ago. And he always appreciated that quality in her.

“She had no airs, no pretensions,” he said. “We both grew up in lower middle class working families. And so, we were both pretty straight people.”

The couple worked together to build First Secure Bank Group from an $83 million bank into a $1.1 billion financial organization, Jay Bergman said. First Secure has 18 banking centers throughout the Chicago area, primarily in Sugar Grove, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet and Morris.

Lori Bergman served as First Secure’s director of training and purchasing. Jay praised Lori ’s ability to work with others.

“She had her own area of education and she trained all the new people.” he said. “Between myself and her, we’ve got a good organization.”

In 2019, The Community Foundation of Will County honored Jay and Lori, who were early supporters of the foundation and influential in establishing it as the new regional endowment.

“I’ve been lucky in business,” Jay said. “My energy business is national. So we have good income. Plus the banks have done well. And we just wanted to give something back to the community.”

But the couple also made time to be a couple.

“We had a wonderful marriage,” Jay said. “And I’ve got a lot of good things to look back on.”

Helen Ross of Joliet said she was “shocked and saddened” at Lori’s death. Ross said she initially met Lori through working on fundraising gala committees together and was struck by her friendliness, warmth and ability to brainstorm and collaborate.

“She wanted to do her best for the community, and she just had a heart for people,” Ross said. “And I just think she was an amazing woman, and an amazing role model to so many of us in the community.”

Lori also was a past president of Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation Board and a current member of Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet leadership board, according to her obituary.

She served many community organizations, including being a board member of Guardian Angel Community Services and a member of the board of directors for Rosary High School in Aurora. She contributed her time to Will County Habitat for Humanity, as well, according to her obituary.

That’s precisely how Jay hopes the community remembers his wife.

“Just as a good person willing to help anybody she could,” he said.

Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home at 2320 Black Road in Joliet is handling the arrangements.

Visitation for Lori will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday.

Send memorials in Lori Bergman’s name to Will County Humane Society, 24109 Seil Road, Shorewood, IL 60404.