BERWYN - Ann Mackin, who served for 44 years as a member of the North Berwyn Park District's Board of Commissioners, died July 12. She was 96.

A highly active member of the Berwyn community since 1951, Mackin made a lasting and significant impact on the park district and city, including leading the establishment in 1976 of the North Berwyn Park District, according to a park district news release.

Mackin began serving as board secretary and was elected to the district’s first board of commissioners in 1977. She served continuously as a commissioner for 44 years, including the last 14 years as president.

She was the longest-serving park district board member in Illinois and in the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Mackin’s leadership was key in the park district providing logistical support of popular special events and programs, the release stated.

In a February 2019 story in the Berwyn Suburban Life, Mackin said she liked to be known in the community as the “Lady in the Hat” because she is always seen wearing a hat, and residents are eager to approach her with questions. She said one of the things she is most proud of, aside from beginning the park district, is the new pool the district has named in her honor.

Mackin also described her leadership style during her 2019 interview with the Berwyn Suburban Life.

“I just look to see what people are complaining about or wanting and if enough people want it, we can try to make it happen,” Mackin said. “My ambition is to give everyone what they want because really, everyone deserves something more than what’s outside their front door.”

Mackin was instrumental in the park district’s impact on the business community through community-based events including: Think Green, a citywide cleanup; Nuestra Raices Back to School Fiesta; The Best of Berwyn, an annual recognition of the top 8th grade students in Berwyn; the 16th Street Theater, which was founded in 2007 to serve and give voice to everyone in the community; and the Corridadel Mariachi 5K Run, Berwyn’s first CARA-certified 5k run.

“The North Berwyn Park District and the city of Berwyn are a better place to raise a family because of Ann Mackin. The contributions she made will never be realized by all she touched. There is avoid that won’t be filled,” Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero said in a statement.

“The citizens of Berwyn whose children were in a sports program, preschool classes, summer camp or had a summer job have Ann Mackin to thank,” NBPD Executive Director Joseph Vallez said in a statement. “She, to her last days on earth, was concerned about the safety of residents we served and the employees who served them during these challenging times. I will personally miss her guidance, leadership and concern for all.”

During a June ceremony at her home, the board of commissioners honored Mackin with the 2020 Joseph C.Vallez Award as “a community member who emulates outstanding service, exceptional leadership, visionary guidance and dedication in improving the quality of life in the city of Berwyn.” The board also appointed Mackin as president emeritus.

In honor of her service and stewardship, on Jan. 22, 2019, Mackin received the 34th annual Charles E. Piper Award, which honors recipients for their business achievements and/or their contribution to the economic vitality Berwyn. The award celebrates Berwyn’s Business Person of the Year and their exceptional contribution of time, talent and treasures.

Aside from her work with the park district, Mackin volunteered for the United Way for many years. Additionally, she was a parishioner of St. Mary of Celle Church. She traveled with Club 55 and enjoyed sporting events with her seven grandchildren.