'A true public servant': Community mourns mother killed in Highland Park hit-and-run while biking

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- It's a loss that's being felt heavily across Deerfield and Highland Park.

Maureen Wener was a mother, a friend and a role model in her community. That's how many are remembering the 49-year-old woman killed in a hit-and-run crash on Friday afternoon while riding her bike near Deerfield and Piccadilly road.

"I hope they find the person that did it. It's hard to believe that she's gone. It really is," said Noreen Trotsky, a youth services librarian at the Deerfield Public Library. "Maureen was thoughtful. She was a very nice person. She'd always say 'hi' to you and ask how things were going, and she's going to be missed greatly."

Police said the vehicle drove away from the scene, and Wener died at a nearby hospital from her injuries. Steven Hiller lives in the area, and said one woman immediately attempted CPR before police arrived.

"What went through my head was how horrible it was, the fact that this lady went for a bike ride and winds up getting knocked over," Hiller said.

Wener's impact was felt by many, as she served on several local boards. State Rep. Bob Morgan, who represents the 58th District, knew her well. He called her "a true public servant."

"Everybody who lives here either knows Maureen or knows of her through so many different things and so many different ways, Deerfield Public Schools District 109 and here at Deerfield Public Library," Morgan said.

Neighbors said she left behind her son and her husband, Paul. A memorial has been growing in front of their home, honoring the woman who gave so much to the people around her.

"We certainly need people like her. That's pretty tragic. It's a big loss. She was known by a lot of people," Hiller said.

Police have not provided any description of the vehicle that hit Maureen, and no one has been arrested.