Chernock graduated from the Philadelphia Normal School and later earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in education from Temple University.
In 1966, she made her first run for office, taking on incumbent Rep. William A. Barrett for the 1st congressional district.
Running in a heavily Democratic district, Chernock was defeated in the race by more than 40,000 votes.
In the 1983 race, the city Republican leaders tried to persuade her to step down; however, she sought re-election.
[4] Over the years, she served in various other capacities, as a member of the Urban League, the Civic Ballet and the Citizens Crime Commission of Philadelphia.