The Chicago Poetry Center board, staff, and community at large are mourning a massive loss in our community, the passing of Mary Ellen Woods.
Mary Ellen Woods joined the Chicago Poetry Center board in December 2022. Mary Ellen had already spent years in service of various nonprofits, and of her two beloved alma maters, Notre Dame and the University of Chicago. Mary Ellen’s friend and colleague of twenty years, and CPC’s current Board President, Kevin Rooney, jumped at the opportunity and asked her to consider joining us at CPC. We are so grateful she said yes and became an integral part of our community.
In her time with the organization, she has affected our work directly, connected others to the mission of the Chicago Poetry Center, and been a kind and caring member of this community. The first person to offer you a ride, a meal, or champion our students, teaching artists, and program staff. For the past three years, she’s held a birthday fundraiser on behalf of CPC. When Mary Ellen passed unexpectedly, we had just celebrated another birthday with her.
This year we will have our second poetry residencies with the O-School of Hyde Park, a partner that aligns wonderfully with CPC’s values and programs approach. We have Mary Ellen to thank for this connection and all the student poetry that has flowed from it.
I asked people throughout the CPC community to share memories of Mary Ellen, and almost every memory involves a meal, and every memory involves her kindness. Here are a few of those below:
Mary Ellen had, among her many super powers, the ability to solve the New York Times mini crossword in record time. She could frequently be found enjoying all the arts and culture this amazing city has to offer, and of course, the restaurants.
We miss Mary Ellen and are eternally grateful to her for the generosity she shared with our community.
Mary Ellen’s Celebration of Life Service:
When: October 2nd, 2024 – Memorial Mass at 5pm, Reception from 6-8pm
Where: St. Clements Church, Lincoln Park
Please RSVP at MEWoodsCelebrationofLife2024@outlook.com
If you would like to send condolences to the family, they can be sent to Mary Ellen’s sister, Ann Woods at:
Ann Woods
71-11 Yellowstone Blvd, 7D
Forest Hills, NY 11375
