Weber, Marion Claire (1903-1988) | University of Illinois Archives

Marion Claire Weber (1902-1988) was an operatic soprano who later became a radio executive on Chicago's WGN radio station. Born in Lake Bluff, Illinois, from age 6 until 21, she played violin at the Ravinia Festival. During this time she also took vocal lessons. At age 24, she made her opera debut singing the role of Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme. In 1929, she married Henry Weber, who, as the youngest operatic conductor in America, directed the Chicago Civic Opera Company. In the 1930s, Weber stared in Hollywood films, including Make a Wish.

From 1947 until 1953, Weber served as the director of the WGNB-FM station. In this role, she served as the production supervisor to The Chicago Theater of the Air. Weber died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1988.