Darien Names Citizen of the Year

DARIEN, IL – Darien's 2023 Citizen of the Year can trace her lineage to Darien's founders.

Deborah Coulman is the granddaughter of the founders of Lace, now Darien – the Andermann and Buschmann families.

Coulman, who was announced as the Citizen of the Year at Tuesday's City Council meeting, was raised on farmland where Country Lane Apartments now are – across the street from McDonald's.

At the council meeting, Alderwoman Mary Sullivan read a statement listing Coulman's achievements.

Coulman has been a member of the Darien Historical Society for more than a decade.

In her historical work, she is a curator of the Artifact of the Month, the special events chairwoman, the joint author of the book, "Images of America – Darien," and a champion of the cause to restore the 1861 Cass flag. She also landscapes at the museum.

For the last seven years, Coulman has headed the annual walk-along tour at St. John's Cemetery in Darien, which was established in 1859. She also has orchestrated Civil War re-enactments on the cemetery land.

"Because the cemetery has original undisturbed prairie land, Deborah works the land every Thursday, May through October, to keep the plants and soil growth in its virgin state, which has gained local and state recognition," the statement said.

Coulman has been a member of St. John's Lutheran Church for more than a half century. The church was founded in 1859 by her ancestors.

Among other local activities, Coulman was on the Indian Prairie Library Wish Book Committee, which was for the new library building. She also was a longtime volunteer for the children's department.

Her nominator wrote, "For all her achievements and continued involvement, Deb is a very quiet, unassuming and humble person. She is the behind-the-scenes, ever-energized worker. Her work and actions speak loudly for her."

Coulman was selected by Darien's 2023 Citizen of the Year Committee.