TRIBUTE TO THE LATE FLORENCE "FLAURIE" BERMAN.
WHEREAS, It was with great sadness that members of this chamber learned of the May 2, 2018 death of Florence "Flaurie" Berman, an outstanding woman and community icon who devoted her life to her family, her community, and her business; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Margaret Laurino; and
WHEREAS, Born to Abe and Edna Miska on March 13, 1926, Florence grew up in a two-flat that her father built at Lawrence and Kimball in Albany Park. She was born into an entrepreneurial family. Her father emigrated to Chicago from Poland and established a broom business before opening Miska Liquors; and
WHEREAS, Flaurie attended Von Steuben High School where she met her 1943 prom date and the love of her life, Maurie Berman. The couple graduated from Von Steuben, attended Northwestern University, and married in August 1947, shortly after Mr. Berman returned from serving in the Army in World War II; and
WHEREAS, Following her graduation from Northwestern University, Flaurie worked as a substitute teacher in Chicago Public Schools. In 1948, Flaurie and Maurie opened Superdawg drive-in restaurant at Devon and Milwaukee. Intended to be a temporary seasonal job to supplement the couple's income, Superdawg became enormously popular for their delicious food and iconic 12-foot winking hot dog figurines on the roof of the restaurant, representing Flaurie and Maurie; and
WHEREAS, For 70 years, the success of Superdawg can be attributed to the true partnership of Flaurie and Maurie. Flaurie worked alongside and supported her husband and best friend, Maurie, as they built a business and a family. Flaurie was Superdawg's first carhop and captain of the carhops over the years. She became a mentor and friend to employees and customers, treating them like her extended family; and
WHEREAS, Left to mourn her loss and celebrate her memory are Flaurie's devoted family members, children Scott (the late Terry), Myles "Mush", and Lisa (Don) Drucker; grandchildren Alyssa (Jordan), Laura (Ben), Max, Steffie, and Ross; and, great-grandchild, Talia. Flaurie was the beloved mother-in-law of Pat Garcia (Julie Barton) and grandmother-figure to Livi Barton. She was the beloved sister of the late William (Bernice) Miska and sister-in-law of Rose (Jerry) Burkman. She will be fondly remembered as Aunt Flo to many nieces, nephews, and friends. Flaurie was preceded in death by her parents Abe and Edna Miska and her loving husband, Maurie; and
WHEREAS, Known for her generosity, kindness, and love for others, Flaurie Berman was a woman of great accomplishment and integrity. She will be deeply missed, but
the memory of her character, intelligence, and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved her; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this twenty-third day of May 2018 do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Florence "Flaurie" Berman and extend to her family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
Margaret Laurino Alderman, 39th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Florence "Flaurie" Berman as a token of our honor, gratitude, and respect.
