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Mary Sughrue Rabb

Mary Rabb Obituary

Rabb, Mary Sughrue was born in 1929 in Charleston, South Carolina, passed away November 9, 2006. She graduated from College of Charleston. She married George B. Rabb, also of Charleston, in 1953. Mary worked as a librarian in Charleston and in Riverside, IL. She also taught biology at the University of Illinois in Chicago before joining the Brookfield Zoo staff in 1963. Mary contributed to diverse research in animal behavior in partnership with her husband, emeritus director of Brookfield Zoo. Mary headed the zoo's library. She established the zoo's bookstore which drew biologists from around the world and she founded the zoo's photographic archives. Among her many activities at the zoo, she supported conservation of the world's frogs and other amphibians. Memorial arrangements are pending.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Rabb

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Daniel Michalowski

January 4, 2007

Dear George - My deepest sympathy. Mary was a great friend and I will miss our meetings at the AZA conferences and when I stopped at the Brookfield Zoological Gardens for a visit or deliver animals. May the Almighty give her enternal rest. Sincerest regards, Dan Michalowski

Bob Schabinger & Tom McCormack

November 30, 2006

We just recently heard of your wifes' passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Diana and Cody Moran

November 25, 2006

Our deepest condolences go out to you, George. May you find peace in knowing that Mary has moved on to a better place. We will miss her greatly.

Billy Moran

November 25, 2006

Uncle George,
I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Mary's passing. I still remember the great time that we had when we were at Brookfield in 1994. She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you.

Manny onate

November 16, 2006

I ENJOYED GOING TO THE LIBRARY AND MAKING MARY RABB LAUGH DURING THE SIX YEARS I WORKED THERE. SHE WAS VERY HELPFUL TO ME AND LOOKED OUT FOR ARTICLES THAT WOULD INTEREST ME. I REALLY ENJOYED MY VISITS TO HER. I WILL REALLY MISS HER.

Keith Rabb

November 16, 2006

Sorry to hear of your loss. George, I know Mary will be sorely missed.
Cousin, Keith, now in Peoria, Arizona

Joanne Benes

November 13, 2006

I have been a docent at Brookfield Zoo since 1990. Mary Rabb will be missed not only at Brookfield Zoo but by conservationists the world over for her strong conservation ethic and untiring efforts on behalf of our natural world. My sincere condolances to her husband, Dr. George Rabb, and her family.

Barbara Matuch

November 11, 2006

I am a long time employee of the Brookfield Zoo and have many memories of Mary. She was an intelligent, funny person and it was a great pleasure working with both Mary and George. She will be missed...

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