Juell Kadet, a prominent executive at Rogers & Hollands Jewelers and a beloved nightclub singer, passed away at her home in Streeterville on November 9, 2023, at the age of 96. Her death was attributed to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by her daughter, Lori Stern, who also serves as the executive vice president of merchandising at the family-owned jewelry chain. Kadet’s legacy includes her significant contributions to the jewelry industry and her passion for music.
Career in Jewelry and Music
Juell Kadet was a pivotal figure at Rogers & Hollands, where she combined her creative design skills with her talent in merchandising. Having spent decades as the public face of the company, she became well-known beyond the confines of the jewelry business. Her distinctive voice resonated with audiences across television and radio, famously performing the chain’s advertising theme song with the memorable tagline, “Rogers & Hollands, jewelry created for now and forever.”
Her contributions to the industry were recognized by peers, including Sheldon Gruber, a former head of the wholesale division at Harry Winston. Gruber noted, “Juell was one of the great leaders of our industry as it relates to not only marketing but merchandising.” He highlighted her ability to stay at the forefront of fashion trends, which greatly influenced Rogers & Hollands’ direction.
A Life of Resilience and Creativity
Born Juell Friedman in 1929 in Gary, Indiana, she was named after her grandfathers, both called Julius. Kadet graduated from William A. Wirt High School and began her career in the family business at a young age. After briefly attending Indiana University and marrying her husband, Alan Kadet, in 1949, she worked part-time at Rogers & Hollands while raising her family.
In the mid-1960s, she wrote a column for the now-defunct Harvey Tribune, providing advice to brides and addressing etiquette questions. As her children grew, so did her involvement in the family business. Eventually, she became the company’s sole designer and played a crucial role in buying and merchandising decisions.
Initially, Kadet faced challenges in a male-dominated industry, but she gradually established her presence. “I’d done selling, buying, accounts receivable, [and] window treatments,” she recalled in a 1992 interview. “Then Alan encouraged me to go into design.” With a background in fine arts, she designed a variety of jewelry, including earrings, brooches, and her unique line, Juell Kadet Originals.
Beyond her business acumen, Kadet was a passionate advocate for cancer research. After surviving breast cancer in the early 1980s, she founded the Kadet Cancer Research Foundation in 1990 at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Ingalls Memorial Hospital, raising over $1 million for oncology research.
A Passion for Music and Community
Kadet’s love for music blossomed later in her life. Encouraged by her husband, she began singing jazz in local venues, eventually performing at notable locations such as New York’s Helmsley Palace and Chicago’s iconic Pump Room. She released two albums, with proceeds from her first album, “My Kind of Town,” going to Chicago’s Families’ Fund. Her second album, “Juell of the Mile,” supported cancer research efforts.
“When I’m up there, I forget all my troubles,” Kadet shared regarding her stage performances. Described as having a “sultry voice and easy style,” she captivated audiences while contributing to charitable causes, often donating her earnings to musicians or philanthropic efforts.
Outside of her professional life, Kadet was active in her community, serving on the boards of multiple organizations, including the Ingalls Memorial Hospital Foundation and B’nai B’rith Women. Her sense of style and fashion made her a well-recognized figure at both work and charitable events, with colleagues describing her as “the fashion plate of Chicago.”
Juell Kadet is survived by her daughters, Lori Stern and Marla Epton, her son Rodger, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A private service is being planned to honor her life and legacy.
