Bereavement Notice: Patrick Donoghue

Patrick Donoghue, the father of Irish Studies Program director Mary McCain, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 80. An attorney and 78-year resident of Michigan City, Indiana, Pat practiced municipal and corporate law and was a member of the Indiana Bar for 56 years.

Pat graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1966, and received a Juris Doctor in 1969 from Indiana University in Bloomington. He served as a law clerk for the Hon. James E. Noland of the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, from 1969 to 1971. He spoke often over the years of this clerkship not only as the honor that it was, but also as a formative experience that would influence his work throughout his career.

In Michigan City, he joined the firm Sweeney, Fox, Sweeney, Winski, and Dabagia, later becoming a partner. Pat was the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board’s attorney for many years and served in similar roles for the Redevelopment Commission and other boards and councils. He recently received a Distinguished: Very High Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards from Martindale-Hubbell.

An avid sailor, Pat participated in many races and served as the Judge Advocate for the Michigan City Yacht Club. He helped found the South Shore Sailing School and did volunteer legal work and was a longtime board member at the LaPorte County Historical Steam Society.

Pat maintained a lifelong connection to Ireland and Irish culture. He spent much of his time in retirement reading, particularly about American, Irish, and British history, rewatching classic Western movies, traveling, and supporting and taking pride in his children and grandchildren, who loved him deeply and will miss him terribly.

Pat is survived by his wife, Nancy, four children, nine grandchildren, and many extended family and friends.

Bereavement Notice: Chris Rone

With sadness, we have learned of the death of Chris Rone, who worked for 25 years in the Office of Financial Aid.  Chris passed away on June 24, 2025, at the age of 57.   

 After completing his undergraduate studies at National Louis University, Chris earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy from The George Washington University and a Doctorate of Education from DePaul University.  Throughout his career, Chris helped countless students stay in school and afford their education. His name continues to sound praises in the DePaul community: as one student wrote in the DePaul alumni board, “Chris was the man every student deserved to meet once.” In a world so defined by inequity, Chris fought tirelessly to level the playing field. His work was life-changing, not only for his students, but for those around him. Chris reminded us that there is value in work that helps others, and that we can all do our part in creating a better world.  

Outside of work, Chris enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid Liverpool fan and a long-suffering fan of Chicago sports teams. Chris’ wit and bitingly funny tongue brought joy into every activity–even the smallest errand with Chris is a memory to treasure. His legacy lives on with the laughter that surrounded him in life and the transformative optimism of his work.  He will be greatly  missed by all who knew him. 

He is survived by his wife, Robin, son, mother, two brothers, and many extended family and friends. 

Services will take place on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at A.A. Rayner and Sons Funeral Home, 318 E. 71st Street, Chicago.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the DePaul University Scholarship Fund. 

 

To view notes of appreciation shared by alumni, please go to Reddit – Alumni Notes for Chris Rone 

Bereavement Notice: Leon Kozlowski

Sadly, we have learned of the death of Leon Kozlowski, the father of Dorothy Kozlowski, Professor of Neuroscience. 

Leon passed away peacefully on June 28 at the age of 88. 

Leon served in the Polish Air Force as an airplane mechanic. When he moved to Chicago, he established himself as a skilled machinist. His dedication to his craft was evident in the many factories around Chicago where he worked. He was a man who not only valued the precision of his trade but also the camaraderie and connections he made through his work. Many of his early coworkers became lifelong friends. 

 Leon found joy as an avid fisherman and attentive gardener.  His creativity truly shined in the kitchen, where his homemade Polish sausage and dill pickles were a coveted treat, made with love and the flavors of his heritage. 

Leon will be remembered not just for the life he lived but for the lives he touched. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his spirit will continue to inspire laughter, courage, and a zest for life.  

He is survived by two children, his twin sister, four grandchildren, and many extended family and friends. 

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 4 – 8 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.  Funeral on Wednesday, July 2, 9 a.m. at Damar-Kaminsi, followed by mass at 10 a.m. at Saint Gerald Church, 9310 S. 55th Court, Oak Lawn, Illinois. 

A full obituary and online condolences can be found at https://www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Leon-Kozlowski?obId=43140519&source=SmsSh  

Bereavement Notice: Peggy Kelly Schultz

With sadness, we have learned of the death of Margaret “Peggy” Schultz (Kelly), (LAS ’87), Senior Administrative Assistant in Academic Affairs at DePaul for more than ten years. She was also known to many as the Academic Integrity Coordinator. Peggy was the sister of Kathy Kelly Hillegonds of the Office of the Dean in the Driehaus College of Business. Peggy passed away at the age of 62 on June 6, 2025, after a battle with cancer.

Peggy earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from DePaul in 1987 and was working on her master’s degree in public services. Peggy is survived by her three children Bradley, Alex and Abby, three sisters (Maggie, Kathy and Sheila), and extended family and friends. With her wisdom, quiet strength and generous spirit, Peggy left a mark on all of us. She will be sorely missed.

A memorial visitation for friends and family will be held at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home in Homewood (18230 Dixie Hwy.) on Friday, June 13 from 3 – 7:30 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 7:30 p.m. A burial service will follow on Saturday, June 14 at 11 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum in Glenwood (19500 S. Cottage Grove Ave.).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Cancer Support Center in Homewood, the South Suburban Humane Society in Matteson or NAWS Humane Society in Mokena.

Peggy’s obituary and online condolences can be found here.

 

Bereavement Notice: Dr. Hung-Chi Ku

Sadly, we have learned of the death of Dr. Hung-Chi Ku, Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences.  He passed away on April 26, at the age of 53.  Dr. Hu joined the faculty at DePaul in 2015 and was granted tenure in 2024.

Dr. Hu was a cherished colleague and professor, with a generous and compassionate nature.  He will be greatly missed by the colleagues and students who admired his kindness and his work.

He is survived by his spouse, Jun Zhong, and two children.  Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home in Waukegan, IL.  Service details and online condolences may be found at https://www.smithcorcoran.com/obituaries/Hung-Chih-Ku?obId=42338154

Bereavement Notice: Anne Laboe

With sadness, we have learned of the death of Anne F. Laboe, the mother of Mark Laboe, Interim Vice President of Mission and Ministry. Anne passed away on December 17 at the age of 82 after a long illness.

A teacher and a linguist, Anne taught high school French at both Catholic Central High School in Monroe, Michigan and Bedford High School in Temperance, Michigan, receiving multiple outstanding educator awards. After retiring, she translated several books about the appearances of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, Bosnia from French to English.

Anne was an avid fan of reading, baking, and crafting. But mostly she served with her intellect and faith in the Monroe community as a board members of various organizations, and especially at St. Mary’s Parish in Monroe, of which she was Christian Women President for 6 years. She practiced forgiveness, humility, kindness and generosity. She was fun-loving and loyal to her friends and loved playing games and spending time with her grandchildren.

Anne is survived by her husband of 59 years, six children, twelve grandchildren, and many extended family and friends.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 26 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Rupp Funeral Home in Monroe, Michigan. Funeral on Friday, December 27; 10 a.m. at Rupp Funeral Home, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Parish and interment at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Mary of Monroe Parish Christian Women or to Cure PSP (www.psp.org).

A full obituary with service details and a tribute wall for online condolences may be found at https://www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/Anne-C-Laboe.

Bereavement Notice: Danielle Kubicz

Sadly, we have learned of the death of Danielle Kubicz, mother of Christina Kallenborn of Information Services.  Danielle passed away on November 8 at the age of 78.  She is survived by her husband of 55 years, two children, one grandchild, a sister, and many life-long friends.

Danielle and her husband, Frank, emigrated from Germany after WWII.  Danielle worked for the Chicago Library Association, Greenpeace, and for St Ann’s Parish as the parish secretary from the mid-eighties until her retirement in 2012.  She was an avid fan of rock concerts of the 60’s, a seasoned world traveler, and had a special love for animals and nature, supporting all kinds of wildlife and passing her knowledge to her young children and their friends.  Danielle also loved usual and beautiful things and art, as well as trying unique foods.

 

The family will receive visitors at Heritage Funeral Home, 3117 S. Oak Park Ave, Berwyn, IL, on Thursday, November 14 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.  A prayer service is scheduled on Friday, November 15 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, directly followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, 7201 Archer Road, Justice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, or The Gorilla Fund are appreciated.

A full obituary and online condolences may be found online.

Bereavement Notice: Andrew Larimore Sonne

With sadness, we have learned of the death of Andrew Larimore Sonner, the father of Molly Andolina of the Political Science department.

Andrew passed away on October 13, 2024 at the age of 90, surrounded by his family.

He earned his JD from the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, DC.  Andy was an educator at heart, and continued to teach throughout his legal career, at the University of Maryland and the Washington College of Law, among others, and serving as a Wasserstein Public Interest Fellow at Harvard Law School. Andy relished his role as a teacher, remaining in close contact with many of his former students over the years.

Throughout his life, Andy was committed to supporting justice and equity in society. He was elected Montgomery County State’s Attorney in 1970 and served for over 25 years. At one point, he was the longest serving state prosecutor in the country.  In 1996, Andy was appointed by to the then Court of Special Appeals for Maryland and served until his formal retirement in 2004.  He loved his career, his legal community, and the opportunity to serve the cause of justice, remaining active and fully retiring at age 87.

He is survived by two brothers, six children, eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many more extended family.

Services will be held on Friday, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. in Rockville, Maryland.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations are appreciated to the Andrew L. Sonner Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Washington College of Law.

A full obituary, additional service details, and online condolences can be found at https://www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Andrew-Larimore-Sonner?obId=33393640

Bereavement Notice: Franciso Gonzalez Patiño

We have learned of the death of Franciso Gonzalez Patiño, the father of Dalila Gonzalez of the College of Education.  Franciso passed away on October 8, 2024 at the age of 73.  He is survived by his wife, four children, and five grandchildren.

Services have been held. Online condolences may be posted at https://www.gmartinezfuneral.com/obituaries/francisco-gonzalez-patino

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the ALS Association.

Bereavement Notice: Stephanie Wood

With sadness, we have learned of the death of Stephanie Wood, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions in the College of Education.  Stephanie passed away suddenly on September 15, 2024 at the age of 40.

She truly touched so many lives, especially in the College of Education, College of Communication, and across Enrollment Management, where her presence was felt deeply every day.

Stephanie received her undergraduate degree from DePaul University in Chicago and then went on to receive her law degree from John Marshall Law school in Chicago. She was active in the Martial Art of Taekwondo for much of her life and received her black belt. She loved board games, poker, video games and thrived in the creative space, whether it be as a constant painter or building unique projects for her home. She was an avid lover of dogs, and above all loved being with her family and friends. She will be loved and missed by so many for her sparkling heart, energy, generosity and selflessness that spanned her entire life.

Stephanie is survived by her husband Danny, her brother, her parents, and many extended family and friends.

Family will be receiving guests Saturday September 21, 2024 from 3 – 7 p.m. and will include a service at 6 p.m. at Dieterle Memorial Home 1120 S. Broadway in Montgomery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to Humane Haven, P.O. Box 1070 Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (www.hhas.org/donation).  A full obituary, service information, and online condolences can be found at https://www.dieterlememorialhome.com/obituaries/Stephanie-G-Wood?obId=33109418