Robert D. Lord
Robert D. Lord of Lindenhurst, who was an art restorer and a former volunteer for the AIDS Alternative Health Project, passed away at home on Nov. 27. He was 56.
Lord was the beloved life partner of Jim Gregory; they had been together for 26 years. Lord was also the cherished brother of John 'Jay' ( Odette ) Zakowski of Niles, and was the twin brother of Ronaele Hussey of Wilmette.
In addition, he was the very proud and loving uncle of Derek, Ashley, Justin and Alanna, as well as the son of the late Alfred 'Fred' and Lillian Zakowski of Niles.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity, 1920 S. Laflin, Chicago, IL 60608. Call 312-243-6449 or see www.habitat.org .
A gathering of family and friends will take place Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. ( with service at 11:30 a.m. ) at Hennig Chapel at Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N. Ravenswood.
Margaret Mell
Margaret Mell—a lifelong Chicagoan who was the wife ( for 43 years ) of Ald. Dick Mell, mother of local lesbian activist Deborah Mell and mother-in-law of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich—passed away Dec. 3 of a degenerative brain disease. She was 62.
Margaret Mell was known to be quiet but was also a fighter. In battling the disease, her efforts even took her to Jerusalem, where a doctor injected stem cells into her spine, The Chicago Tribune reported.
In a statement, Mayor Richard Daley characterized her as 'a wonderful person, a devoted wife, dedicated mother and friend to many.' A statement from the family read, in part, that 'Margaret was taken too soon from those who loved her, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her, a kinder, better person than Margaret could not be found.'
Services are pending.