Susan Compernolle Obituary

Just found out about Sue's passing by scrolling the internet....we were friends and colleagues at the Legal Assistance Foundation in the 90s and I am sad indeed. I left to move to NYC in 1996 and have been mostly out of touch since. She was a caring and helpful advocate even as a union member....giving me needed advice at LAFC.....I will fondly remember the weekend trip we took with other LAFC staff to Indiana with Carol Waldman, Rich Wheelock and others.....

As I was driving Sheridan Rd near where I thought Sue's sister Mary lives, I reached out to Sue because it had been a couple years since I had seen her. I texted on 2 different occasions but did not hear back. Today, April 5, 2019, I decided to google her and so sadly her obit came up. Last time I saw her we were having lunch in Evanston and she was about to go on a trip to Hawaii or Australia I think. I was so glad for her that she was in remission and could travel. She and I were childhood friends meeting her after 8th grade I believe. I went to St Francis and she lived across from one of my good friends. She and I developed a great friendship and she came with my family once on Vacation to Wisconsin in the summer. However, we did loose touch but reconnected about the time she was deciding to retire or not. Bob was a friend of my brother Jack as well. Actually after that lunch date Sue sent me pictures of Bob and Paul and others of your family who I had not seen in ages. I am so impressed but not surprised at the praise she received for her professional work and was impressed but not surprised at how she handled her illness for so long. I only hope to be as strong should I find myself in such a tough situation. My heart goes out to all her family albeit so belated a message. Gail Adams Galloway

I would like her brother to know that Sue is driving a Rolls Royce in heaven.

I just learned of Sue's passing. She was a wonderful brave woman and a super attorney for justice! I will miss her but remember her fondly.

Dear Compernolles: I am so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. What an impressive life she led! I remember as a young girl (probably about the time I gave Mary Claire that perm) Sue introduced me to mud packs - she took me to Lyman's for Fuller's Earth and witch hazel. I had no clue what I was doing, but sure trusted Sue! I currently work with homeless individuals, some of whom are desperate for legal help. I'm glad there are people like Sue to carry on. In this day and age, they are the true Guardian Angels. RIP, Sue, and love to the family.

Dear Family members, I am so sorry to hear of Sue's death and your great loss. I knew Sue in law school. She was a lovely person and really did make the world a better place with her hard work and great compassion.

I am so sorry to hear about Susan's passing. She was so kind, creative and generous. I will miss her.

I am so sorry to hear about Susans death I was a new immigration lawyer when I met her and she was always kind and willing to answer questions. Her dedication to the practice and to her clients will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace dear Susan.

I am so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She was a former colleague of mine at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago, where I came to admire the quality of her work and the spirit with which she carried it out. And with good humor too, under difficult circumstances, not least the the circumstances of her clients that made some of her cases difficult. And after she left LAF to to team up with David Rubman, I kept up with her, not enough of course, but enough to know that she pursued her work with the same determination, commitment to her clients, and good humor that had characterized her work at LAF. May her memory, which is a memory of, among other things, her steadfast commitment to progressive values, be for a blessing.

Sue was a classmate of mine at St. Ignatius grade school in Roger Park. I had had no contact with Sue after our 8th grade graduation until I spent time visiting with her at two recent St. Ignatius reunions. I so enjoyed our chats and some email exchanges. In talking about her cancer, I remember her saying "We all have our challenges in life, Mary Ellen. This is mine." That so impressed me and I have shared it several times with others. Hearing the stories from family at the memorial service brought tears to my eyes. It was truly a beautiful service.

I feel lucky and blessed to have known Sue most all my life. As a close friend of Mary Claire's since 2nd grade, Sue was such a friendly, kind and fun sister. Sue was very easy to talk to and always interested in my life as well as the lives of all the O'Connors. She, like all the Compernolle's, had a great laugh. I was so impressed by her many accomplishments as a lawyer, but she never bragged about herself...you had to drag it out of her! Several years ago, Sue presented such a wise and interesting slideshow about her trip to Vietnam at the Belton's house which will always stick with me. I appreciate my many great conversations either at the Compernolle house growing up or at the many Belton parties. Last year, I did know know how much I would treasure dancing and celebrating with Sue at Johno and Louise's wedding. Sue, you were truly a gift to many!

I was very sorry to hear of Susan's death. I know she was brave in her final illness. I have wonderful memories of Susan from the days when all of us Susan's (Compernolle, Schreiber, Fortino, and me) were battling the forces of darkness in our immigration cases. Susan carried that light of justice with her even when she stopped practicing law - she was on the side of the good. I was always happy to see her at NLG events and demonstrations large and small. May her memory be a blessing.

It was very honorable of Susan to spend her time and energy helping others. She will certainly be in God's memory for her kind deeds. Heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family.

My most heartfelt condolences to the Compernolle family. I will surely missed you Sue.

It is with great sadness that I learned about Susan's death today from colleagues in Chicago, where I was an immigration attorney until I moved from there in 1998. I have thought about Susan many times since then, remembering her as an outstanding immigration attorney, and a caring and warm person with a good sense of humor, which is how I will continue to remember her. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.

Susan was an incredible person, lawyer, and colleague. She was very influential in my growth as a young attorney and our paths crossed often through AILA. I am so saddened by this news. Susan will always be remembered for her kindness, hard work, and dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Dear family and friends of Sue,
I did not know Sue, but am so glad she was here on this beautiful and yet, suffering Earth, for 67 years. She was and continues to be an instrument of peace. My prayers surround you all.
Nancy Nitto

Susan was one of my Marywood classmates. The Class of '68 is having a 50 year Reunion at this year's luncheon. Sue will surely be missed.

I am so very sorry for your loss John.My sympathies to all the Compernolles