Maureen O'Donnell
Chicago Sun-Times
United States
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Past articles by Maureen:
Barb A. Moriarty, who helped others get sober after her struggle with addiction, dead at 75
An early adopter of computers, she did programming and helped people fix IT problems in her job at the Chicago Board Options Exchange. → Read More
Gregory ‘Greg’ Bey, Jaguars youth football coach in Chicago, mentor for fraternity brothers, dead at 62
For 20 years, Mr. Bey coached grade school kids in the Jaguars football program, now at Jackie Robinson Park. “He was so positive,” said former player Roosevelt Martin III, now a coach. → Read More
Sun-Times obituary writer Maureen O’Donnell bids farewell to daily reporting, with many lasting memories
I’ve written about too many people who died, leaving their dreams unrealized. I might contribute to the Sun-Times from time to time, but right now I’m planning to retire and travel. → Read More
Hiroshi ‘Johnny’ Okura, artist who served with storied Japanese American WWII combat team, dead at 100
Its segregated soldiers served in “the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the U.S. military,” according to the National WWII Museum. In 2010, Congress recognized the 442nd by awarding its men the Congressional Gold Medal. → Read More
Rosanna Glueckert, who helped run Glueckert Funeral Home in Arlington Heights, dead at 85
The funeral home has handled arrangements for thousands, including Arlington International Racecourse figures like trainer Ernie Poulos and jockey R.L. “Bobby” Baird. → Read More
Maxine Duster, Chicago educator, civic leader, dead at 83
She was a teacher and principal and helped kids interested in medicine follow a doctor around to see what the work was like, helping many pursue careers in medicine. → Read More
Harold Kulat, first Jones Commercial High School alum to return to teach at Chicago school, dead at 100
“Mr. Kulat was a lovely and patient history teacher,” said Marcy Sugar, who was one of his students. → Read More
Funeral details for Sergio Mims, movie critic and founder of Chicago’s Black Harvest Film Festival
Visitation is planned from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Doty Nash Funeral Home, 8620 S. Stony Island Ave., with a wake there at 2 p.m. Saturday followed by the funeral at 3 p.m. Saturday. → Read More
Patricia Marvin, who helped harried Thanksgiving cooks on Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, dead at 96
For 22 years, she did her part to make the holiday meal work out for others. One time, she recognized the voice of the caller. It was her grandson who was away at college. → Read More
Maryfrances Veeck, publicist, resourceful partner to legendary Bill Veeck, dead at 102
Her husband was renowned for his publicity stunts. She came up with a few of her own. She died Sept. 10 at Montgomery Place retirement community in Hyde Park. → Read More
Singer Jim Post, Chicago folk music star who hit big with ‘Reach Out of the Darkness,’ dead at 82
Chicago performer Corky Siegel said, “I think he was just the greatest in the Chicago folk scene.” He later reinvented himself, writing and performing in one-man plays about Mark Twain. → Read More
Erich Himmel, leader in Chicago’s German American community, led Steuben Parade, dead at 86
He was grand marshal for 35 years of the annual Steuben Parade celebrating German culture and heritage and was to be honored this weekend at this year’s edition of the parade. → Read More
Gilda Wrenn dies at 97; emigrated from Dominican Republic and welcomed all to her home in Chicago
Mrs. Wrenn once hosted three Dominican Major League players for a home-cooked meal. Two of them were brothers, first basemen and outfielders: Felipe Alou of the Atlanta Braves and Matty Alou of the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as Juan Marichal, then a pitcher with the San Francisco Giants. → Read More
Patrick Lynch, Irish immigrant who served in the Army, refinished and upholstered furniture, dead at 92
He dreamed of being an electrical engineer and took courses, according to his daughter, but needed to work because of the responsibilities of his growing family. → Read More
Harold Lucas, Bronzeville organizer, activist, historian, dead at 79, lauded as a champion
“As you walk and drive around Bronzeville, Harold’s works are everywhere,” author Nathan Thompson said. “Harold was one of the freedom fighters,” Rev. Jesse Jackson said. → Read More
Manuel Sanchez, Chicago’s first Mexican American school principal, dead at 94
Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Foran Funeral Home in Summit and at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, with a celebration of his life held there starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday. → Read More
Arlene Gill, Chicago Cubs front-office assistant to 8 general managers, dead at 79
“She had just incredible knowledge of the rules and regulations for acquiring players,” a former co-worker says. “It took a lot of paperwork and a lot of moxie.” → Read More
Jerry Starkman, who founded Mustard’s Last Stand hot dog haven near Northwestern’s football stadium, dead at 84
Over 53 years, the family-owned business has served up hot dogs to NU alums including David Schwimmer, Seth Meyers, Charlton Heston; actors William Petersen and Katie Holmes; Cubs pitchers Kerry Wood and Mark Prior; and Wildcats football coach Pat Fitzgerald. → Read More
Chef Dominique Tougne of Chez Moi restaurant dead at 56; classically trained French chef combined high kitchen standards with kindness
Pro basketball players came to dine at his restaurant, including Joakim Noah, whose father is French tennis legend Yannick Noah, plus Tony Parker Sr., who played professionally in Europe, and his son Tony Parker Jr., who grew up in France. → Read More
Larry Cose dies at 68; former Sun-Times reporter, financial adviser’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis led to creation of nonprofit to help younger patients with the disease
“You talked to him for even a few minutes, you had nothing but warmth toward him,” said his brother, journalist Ellis Cose, an author and former Sun-Times columnist. → Read More