Juell Kadet, the longtime public face of Matteson-based Rogers & Hollands Jewelers and a successful amateur singer, died November 9th at her home in Streeterville, Chicago, at the age of 96. The cause of death was Alzheimer’s disease, according to her daughter, Lori Stern.
A Multi-Faceted Leader
Kadet’s contributions to Rogers & Hollands extended beyond public recognition. She was a key figure in the company’s design and merchandising, becoming its sole designer with influence over buying decisions. Industry colleague Sheldon Gruber described her as “one of the great leaders” in the field, consistently at the forefront of fashion trends.
Born Juell Friedman in 1929 in Gary, Indiana, Kadet’s early life included working in her father’s store in East Chicago while in high school. She later attended Indiana University and married Alan Kadet in 1949. She initially contributed to the family business part-time while raising her children.
Breaking Barriers
As her children grew, Kadet’s role within Rogers & Hollands expanded. She faced initial resistance in a male-dominated industry, but gradually established herself as an equal. She embraced design, building on her fine arts training to create settings for earrings, brooches, pendants, and rings, including a line of unique pieces called “Juell Kadet Originals.”
Kadet’s voice was also widely recognized, as she sang the Rogers & Hollands theme song – “Rogers & Hollands, jewelry created, for now and forever” – in the company’s television and radio commercials. Her passion for singing extended beyond advertising; she performed at venues including New York’s Helmsley Palace and Chicago’s Pump Room, donating her earnings to musicians and charities.
A Legacy of Giving
In the early 1980s, Kadet was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Following her recovery, she founded the Kadet Cancer Research Foundation in 1990 at Ingalls Memorial Hospital, which has since raised over $1 million for oncology research. Prior to her death, Kadet also volunteered with several organizations, including the Ingalls Memorial Hospital Foundation, B’nai B’rith Women, and the National Council on Jewish Women.
Kadet is survived by her daughters Lori Stern and Marla Epton, her son Rodger, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her husband, Alan Kadet, died in 2017. A private service is planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Juell Kadet’s role at Rogers & Hollands?
Juell Kadet was a longtime executive at Rogers & Hollands Jewelers, serving as the company’s sole designer and contributing to its merchandising and marketing strategies. She was also the public face of the company, appearing in commercials and becoming well-known to audiences.
Did Juell Kadet have a career outside of Rogers & Hollands?
Yes, Juell Kadet was an amateur singer who performed at nightclubs and released two albums, donating the proceeds to charity. She also wrote a column titled “Girl Talk” for the Harvey Tribune newspaper.
What was the Kadet Cancer Research Foundation established to do?
The Kadet Cancer Research Foundation, established in 1990, was created to support oncology research at University of Chicago Medicine’s Ingalls Memorial Hospital. It has raised over $1 million for cancer research.
What impact will Kadet’s passing have on the jewelry industry and the philanthropic community?
