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Union mourns Louise DeBow, women’s leader

Louise DeBow, who started her career as a Nurse’s Aide at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn and chaired the DC 37 Women’s Committee for 30 years, passed away on Jan. 30.

Born in North Carolina, DeBow migrated north with her family, which settled in Brooklyn when she was 10.

She was for many years the recording secretary of Municipal Hospital Employees Local 420. DeBow was active throughout most of her life in labor and civic organizations, including the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the New York State Democratic Party. She also served for 21 years on the board of directors of the Municipal Credit Union.

After her daughter Jean was killed by a drunken driver eight years ago, DeBow became active in Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and led a record-breaking fundraising drive for MADD’s New York chapter.

“Louise DeBow encouraged many young trade union women. She made it possible for people like me to get to where I am today,” said Local 420 President Carmen Charles.

DeBow left behind a large extended family of brothers and sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and many DC 37 activists who will miss her.