The purpose of creating this award was for it to be bestowed upon a community member who emulated outstanding service, exceptional leadership, visionary guidance, and dedication in improving the quality of life in the City of Berwyn.  The winner of this award will be given to an individual who exemplified those character traits.  Tonight, we honor the memory of Nora A. Laureto.

Nora was a former 8^th ward alderwoman.  She was on the BDC Board, President of the Berwyn Library, District 98 Foundation Board, Jefferson School PTA Mom, Den Mother of the Girl Scouts, and a two time Piper Award Winner.  She was on numerous committees, numerous fundraisers, numerous volunteer work, usually with Mary Drenth sitting by her side.  She was part of the referendum that helped fund the creation of Prairie Oak Elementary School, she was part of the “Pennies for Lincoln” that helped relocate the Lincoln Statue that sits outside of Lincoln Middle School today where Nora’s daughter-in-law, Madelyn, is the principal.  Basically, if there was something going on in the City of Berwyn, Nora was a part of it.  Nora took pride in her community, she lead by example, and never expected anything in return.

While that was the way Nora was out in public, that was the same way she was at home.  Everything ran through Nora.  She was the Head of the Laureto Family.  Hosting holiday family parties where everyone went home with some leftovers.

She was an avid Disney Lover.  Taking family trips 2-3 times a year.  Her favorite character was Tinker Bell, but once she was at the Happiest Place on Earth, she became Spend-a-rella buying anything and everything for her granddaughters.

Unfortunately, we lost Nora in September of last year.  She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Tony.  Her children Mike and Mary Beth, and her four granddaughters Abby, Charlie, Everly, and Sawyer.

What it will read on Nora’s trophy is:  “when you DREAM big, BELIEVE in your talents, and strive to ACHIEVE your highest goals and aspirations…anything is possible.”  The beautiful thing about establishing this award, is even though Nora is not physically here tonight, the North Berwyn Park District Board of Commissioners wanted to make sure her contributions to the City of Berwyn will never be forgotten and where her legacy will live on for future generations to come.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pride that the North Berwyn Park District announce the winner of the “2024 Joseph C. Vallez Award,” to Nora A. Laureto.  

Thank you Nora, we will remember you always

‍

‍