Michael McKenna Obituary

Suzanne, I recently learned of your loss. I am saddened and shocked by this news, and I extend to you great sympathy. It sounds like Michael was a remarkable man, and a truly blessed part of your's, Jonah's, and the McKenna's life. May you find all find healing, grace, and peace as you continue on.

This is the first time I have read all these wonderful notes. Thanks, everyone, for all your love and support. It has really helped. Michael will live on in all those he touched - we will make sure of that.

MILO, Michael,

Suzanne

Dear Matt and McKenna Family: I just heard about your Dad's tragic passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers. May God Bless all of you.

My prayers and condolences go out to the entire McKenna family! I went to grade school/high school with Amber and was very saddened to hear of his tragic passing. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! May God bless all of you during this difficult time!

Suzanne: Our deepest sympathies on your tragic loss. We can't stop thinking about you, and our hearts have been extremely heavy this past week. You married a wonderful man, and may your beautiful son, Jonah, be a blessed reminder of your loving relationship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hi Suzanne. Seems like just yesterday that we were logging in all those bicycling miles preparing for the Canada and Alaska AIDS Rides...... I am at a complete loss for words to describe my sadness about Michael's passing. It is such an incredible loss to this entire world. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. Shelley Scott

Suzanne & Jonah and the McKenna family. How tragic. Michael was such a kind man. I can't stop thinking about you Suzanne. I hope that you can find peace in your heart. Michael is really loved and missed by many. I will think of him often. all our love shelly and ellen

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Suzanne: Our deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. We're happy for you that you found the right person and that you have Jonah to help you through the future.

Please know we're thinking of you.

Dear Suzanne, our paths have diverged and intersected doing our "nature" work; I wish this intersection was not by way of the dark woods. In the darkness let there be light as the St. Francis prayer yields. I simply wish for you to know that I send you and your family a heartfelt private prayer of healing, along with your family's many friends.

Suzanne, Matthew, Warren, Amber, & Jonah,
We are so glad we got to spend time with Mike and all of you at Kathy's retirement party in Virginia earlier this year. This is a huge tragedy and loss for family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.

To the McKenna Family:
Although I did not know him, my feeling is that he was a person that I would have enjoyed knowing in some way. May he watch over you in spirit, and may God bless you all.

We are so sad and shocked about this tragedy, Suzanne. Please know that we are thinking about you and your children. You've had a lot to bear in your life, and we know that your tremendous spirit and enthusiasm will prevail. With love, Rommy Lopat & John Drummond

Our sincerest condolences in this tragic time.

The Diantzikis Family
(Patio Beef Restaurant)

Dear Mckenna family.Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time,God Bless

Suzanne, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Dear Suzanne,
It has been awhile since I left City hall to have more time with my own little boys. It is hard to know what to say at a time like this but my prayer is that Jonah will give you comfort and time will bring you peace.

Dear Suzy,
It has been a while since our paths have crossed and years since we were friends at St. Ignatius, but I wanted to write and extend my sympathy to you and your family on the tragic loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Dear Suzanne,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Michael. Jonah is the living legacy of the love you two shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire McKenna family.

Dear Suzanne and all the McKenna Children and Grandchildren,
My deepest sympathy. Mike was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. I feel that I know all of you better than our few meetings
because he spoke of you all so frequently and with such love. I learned to only mention things to Mike that I was ready to do because he was so ready with ideas and encouragement to help make things happen.
I carry him and all of you in my hearts as you move through this terrible loss.
With Caring and Love, Lynn Baumhardt

Amber, I am so sorry to hear about your dad on the news. I remember how close you were with your parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the love of your family and friends carry you through your time of grief. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Tina Roeda(college roomate)

Wishing you Hope in the midst of sorrow, Comfort in the midst of pain
God bless you and your family.
With heartfelt sympathy,

To the McKenna Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as we also are mourning the loss of our loved one, Paul Goodson.
God Bless you.

Suzanne and family:
It doesn't even seem possible that this has happened, but the thoughts and prayers of thousands of people are for you and your family at this difficult time. May God support and comfort you through this tragic time in your life.

Suzanne,
I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling. I pray that your memories will see you through the difficult times ahead. Best, Elaine

Suzanne,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
From your friends at the Calumet Ecological Park Association.

Suzanne and Jonah, I'm so happy to have met Michael and so sad to hear of your loss. Peace and strength to you through this transition. Fondly,

Dear Suzanne,
I can't imagine the grief and sorrow you must feel by this tragic loss. I pray that you be comforted and that God will guide you in these days of dispare. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you.

To the McKenna Family,

I want to express my whole hearted sadness and sympathy at Michael's untimely and unjust passing.

10 years ago, Michael helped my and my business partner set up the business operation for what would become the Chicago Improv Festival. We are now going into our 10th year as a festival and a very important step began in Michael's office.

Michael was very patience, very kind and very informative as he explained all our possible corporate entities to us theatre folks. He took the time to help us out as a favor to a friend as he certianly didn't do it for the small fee it cost for us to become incorporated. I appreciated his professionalism, his intelligence and his humanity.

I am very sorry for your losses and I wish only the best for all of you.

With sympathy,
Jonathan Pitts
Executive Director,
Chicago Improv Foundation

To Matt and the McKenna Family,
Our hearts and thoughts are with you. We wish you healing and peace.

Dear Family of Michael McKenna,
I have remembered Michael, whom I did not know nor know of any relationship, among the departed at our Masses here at St. James Hospital, Chicago Heights IL. May he rest in peace, and may his family bear the cross of his loss with patient love.
Reverend Edward J. McKenna

Dear McKenna Family,
It was with great sorrow I heard of Michael's tragic death. My heart and prayers go to family and friends and for Michael. He was a tutor mentor in my inner city program for a few years culminating about 2002. He was a very gentle and compassionate man. He also was involved in our other activities such as fundraising.

His wonderful qualities will live on with each one of you in your own special way. This is his gift to you.

With deep sorrow and with much love, Sr. Stephanie Schmidts

Dear Suzanne & family,
We are so sad for you and with you. Michael will always be remembered as a gentle soul. He truly loved his family, his friends and his work and was always willing help others outside his comfort zone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, neighbor. May God bring you healing in due time.

Warren/Amber & McKenna family,

When I think of the greatest parents in the world, I will always think of Mike & Pam McKenna. The bond they had with their children was the most special bond I have ever witnessed. They were like parents to me at one point in my life and I will always cherish the memories I had with them. Please accept my deepest condolences & sincerest appreciation when I say that I am truly a better person today for having known them & the entire McKenna family.

To Warren, Matt and Amber,
I was so saddened to hear about your father's passing. He was always so kind to me. I have many fond memories of the times we all spent together. He will be missed by many!

Dear Matt and family,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the tragic loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I doubt Matthew, Warren or Amber will remember Helen or me but Mike and I were in law school together. I rode home with him almost every night. Amber was the first newborn we ever got to hold! Even though we moved away after law school, and communicated only sporadically, we never forgot our friendship with Mike and are devastated by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his loved ones.
Tom and Helen Appleton

On behalf of the McKenna Family: I would like to extend our thanks to everyone for the sympathy and understanding that has been bestowed upon us during this time of need. God Bless you all.
Matthew McKenna

Dear Suzanne,

You have my deepest sympathy, you and your family our in my prayers.


Anne M. O'Connor
Receptionist/Department of Environment

I'll echo Sigrid Schmidt's comments: everyone in the birding community knows Suzanne; we are saddened by your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all.

Suz,

Michael was such a kind, loving, warm, gentle soul. He made the world a much nicer place, and his memory will live on in so many hearts.

I didn't know Michael long, but it didn't take much to notice the incredible connection and extraordinary love the two of you shared - one others only dream of. I'm so glad you found each other and went for it - you are an inspiration to us all.

I'm here for you to lean on any time night or day...

With Love (and a heavy heart),

-Sandy

Dear Suz, Jonah and entire McKenna family:

Michael's kindness and caring inspired us all. When he asked, "how are you?" we knew he really cared about the answer.

He was a brilliant man whose spirit will always be with us to warm our hearts and souls. How fortunate we all were to share time with him. We all see the love that he left with you.

It will never be the same without him, but the world is a better place because of him.

December 8th will always be the day we lost two very peaceful men: John Lennon and Michael R. Malec McKenna. Missy, Molly and Matthew grieve for their uncle, and we'll be there for Jonah.

Love,
Matt

Dear Suzanne:
My deepest sympathies to you "Sis" and your family on your tragic loss. My prayers are with you.
Your fellow retired worker "Bro".
Bob Malec

Dear Suzanne,
All of us at Chicago Ornithological Society extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Michael.

Matt/Warren and the McKenna family,

We are so sadden to hear about your dad's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss.

Tina, John, Michael, Julie, Ginger, Lai and Bo Ng

Matt, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

I'm sorry to hear about your families loss. Didn't not know Michael but Suzanne was a grade school classmate of mine in which we had a reunion just alittle while ago (Mike was not there at the time). It is sad the way he was taken out of this world & the others w/these shootings.
I hope what he has done in his lifetime continues on (from what I have read about him).
Again, my g'friend & I are sorry to hear about the loss.

To the McKenna family - our sympathy and prayers. Will miss Mike's friendly smile and handshake.

Nick & Kathy Mendoza (neighbors)

Dear Mrs. Mckenna and Family.
It was much sorrow that I learned of the death of Michael. I knew Michael when we were both young and attended St. It's grade school.
Michael was in my older sister's class, but I knew him very well.
Then one day a couple years ago I find Michael is back in the neighborhood and living around the corner from my mother. Michael and I had a few good laughs now and then when he would pass by the house while walking his dog.
He had never changed after all the years.
Michael will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace
Gerard M. Clancy

Dear Suzanne: I am so sorry that a beautiful soul such as Michael's was taken from you. I will always remember Michael fondly as a peacemaker.
Mary Bao 1122-G

Dear Amber and all of the McKenna Family,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear what happened to your father. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Much Love,
Catherine (Klebba) Hsieh, Ty, Sophia and Wesley

Grand Ma Suz, I am so sorry for your loss and the void which only you will fully comprehend. May the love of your son, your husband, and your family keep your spirit alive and well in the comming years

I see that my mother has already left a comment, but i must say that my uncle michael was a wanderful guy. he always was doing healthy things for himself, others, and the world. thanksgiving at his house had an organic turkey and loads of healthy organic foods. plus,him and his wife Suzanne, who is not pregnant with thier second child but is my wonderful aunt, drove a hybrid car. we miss him terribly and we all love him so dearly a our prayers and wishes go to My Aunt Suzie and cousin Jonah.

Dear Matt, We are so sorry about
your father. We just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and your family. Love, Jim & Elaine Gruber

Dear Suzanne,
Charles and I are so very sorry to hear about Mike. Every time he came to Tai Chi practice he brought a smile to everyone as we all thought the world of him. He will be sadly missed and our prayers for strength are with you.

Charles and Mary Ann
Calumet City, Illinois

DEAREST SUZI, CATHY CALLED ME TODAY.
WE ALL ARE SO DEEPLY SADDENED BY THIS SHOCKING NEWS. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU, SUZI WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY, SHERRYL DEMARCO & FAMILY AND THE SVITAK FAMILY

Matt, Warren and the rest of the McKenna/Malec family. It's hard for me to believe that this has happened...a tragedy for everyone involved. My sympathy to all of you.

All of the staff at Friends of the Chicago River extend our sincere sympathies to Suzanne and her extended family. Our hearts are with you.

Dear Suzanne and family,
My heart is heavy for your loss. Michael was such a gentle sole and pleasure to be with. He will truly be missed and remembered fondly. I will always remember his content smile and loving eyes. We will all try to keep his memory alive for Jonah. Your sister-in-law,

My deepest sympathy to the McKenna family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Warren, Amber, and Matt your father will be fondly remembered.

Dearest Suzanne, Words cannot express my sadness for you, your son and for Michael's family. Steve and I are praying for your strength in these days and for your strength in the days future.

Amber, Warren, and Matt - I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom and Dad were second parents to Shuri and I growing up. I still have the fondest memories of those times. Please know that all of you will always be in our hearts and prayers.

Dear Matt and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My husband had met your father a few years ago and is saddened by the news as well. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

To the McKenna Family and Friends.
Many years ago Michael shared office space with the law office I worked for(Hokin & Melber) and I was lucky enough to get to know him pretty well. I enjoyed that time and enjoyed knowing him very much. I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear this news and grateful that I once knew this very special man. You are all in my prayers.
Peace,

Suzanne,
I love you and I am really sorry.
Love, Tana

Suzanne,

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Michael, and I'm sure you don't remember me, but I was an intern with the DOE several years ago and I remember how happy you were when you returned from your honeymoon in Hawaii with him.

I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jen Simmons(Burzych)

I cannot understand why a generous and helpful person like Michael could have this happen. He was very helpful in obtaining trademarks for Liquid X Freestyle. Michael was unassuming, humoruos and very helpful to us. He made our lives richer, and will continue to do so.
Thank you Michael, we will miss you.

Suzanne,

I cannot express the depth of this tragedy. I am sitting here looking at my photo album from the 2001 Canada ride, and it just doesn't seem real. I cannot think of a kinder, gentler soul than Mike. My deepest sympathy for this loss.

We share in your grief and sorrow and celebrate in your memories and strength.

Níor dhún Dia doras riamh
nár oscail Sé ceann eile.
(God never closed one door without opening another)

Warren and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the tragic and senseless loss of your father. You and your entire family remain in my prayers

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Michael was a very special person to all who knew him. We will never forget the kindnesses and love that he has shown to our family.

Earl and Sharon Burnett

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I would like to extend my Deepest Sympathies to the McKenna family and friends.

I began working with Mr.McKenna in 1989 and he helped me to obtain my Patent in 2001. Mr.McKenna was a pleasure to work with and it was a pleasure to refer potential clients to him.

Mr.McKenna will be truly missed and I know that because he was such a kind and generous person,God has another Angel in Heaven with him.

I will forever keep your family in my Prayers.

The faculty and staff of the UIC Institute for Environmental Science and Policy send our deepest sympathies to your family in this time of grief.

Suzanne,
I am just heartbroken by the death of Michael. He was such a dear man and he loved you so. I am so very very sorry. A letter has been sent to you.
Love, Jean

It saddend me to hear the news on TV.
He will be rememberd in many hearts. Michael did some work for me some time ago and it was a pleasure knowing him for that short while. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones.

To the McKenna Family..please accept our deepest sympathies.
Timothy and Donna Moynihan

It saddend me to hear the news on TV. He will be remembered in many hearts. Michael did some work for me some time ago and it was a pleasure knowing him for that short while. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones.

Suzanne, my prayers and deepest sympathy to you and Michaels family. I will miss our chats we had when I would run into him while walking my dog. Michael was a compassinate, caring, and loving soul. He will make a wonderful guardian angel for Jonah.

Our heart felt condolences go out to all of you.
Love - Art, Mary (Frank)& Nicholas Andros

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

To Matt and Family...Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Love, Rosie Santana and the Lopez family.

Please accept our deepest sympathies.