Photo of Kurt Bedell and Theresa Litman sitting on front porch of family home in Chicago, Illinois, August 2011 — Kurt Bedell and Theresa Litman on the porch of the Litman family home in Chicago, Illinois, August 2011.

Today, I honor the passing of my dear friend Laura Litman’s mother, Theresa Litman, who recently died in Chicago at the age of 93. Mrs. Litman had a heart of gold and lived her values of generosity, acceptance and duty every day in her own gentle yet powerful way.

In Mrs. Litman’s home, you always felt welcome and were always well-fed. Growing up food insecure, she made it her mission to ensure those around her had more than enough to eat. If you entered her home, after asking how you were, Mrs. Litman would inevitably ask if you were hungry and if she could fix you a plate.

I had the good fortune of learning to make one of her signature creations, tamales, with family and friends at my 40th birthday party. Later in life, Mrs. Litman managed the lunch program at a school for Chicago Public Schools, where she fed thousands of children and staff over many years.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of joining family and friends in Chicago to celebrate Mrs. Litman’s long and beautiful life. I am grateful to have known her, felt her care, love and generosity, and seen her values live on through her many children and grandchildren. God bless and Godspeed, Mrs. Litman.