To Our NAMI CCNS Family
It is with great sadness that we write to let you know that our long time development director, Sue Ockerlund, died peacefully at home on Friday, April 10, 2020
Sue spent the past eight years at NAMI CCNS and did a wonderful job of fundraising for our affiliate. She was always so passionate about everything that we did and was devoted to our mission. Sue was one in a million, and we will never forget her. She has left footprints on our hearts.
There will be a memorial service at a later time.
Warmly,
Nathaniel Ekman
Executive Director
Dick DeCleene
Board President
Pat Rodbro
Immediate Past President
Obituary
Susan Masters Rose Ockerlund, 67, of Glenview, IL, passed away on Good Friday, April 10th. “Sue” was an incredible woman with a deep love for her five children and a passion for giving back. She was known for her spirited personality and go-getter mentality. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend to so many.
Sue’s many accomplishments began when she was just 17 years old attending Niles North High School. After being dubbed Miss Skokie, she went on to win the Miss North Side Competition of 1970. She continued on to college majoring in Business at the University of Illinois where she became a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and formed lifelong lasting friendships. After graduating, Sue jumped right into the workforce and became a Buyer for Marshall Field’s in downtown Chicago. She then took time off to raise her children, but she didn’t stop there. She started a gift basket business with two close friends called “Breakfast in Bed” which they ran together for 17 years. Her volunteer experience included: Juvenile Protection Association, GBS Booster Board, Women’s Board for Catholic Charities, President of Arden Shore Home for Children, President of School District 31 PTC, President of Misericordia, and Board of Directors/Committee and Event Chair for Northshore University Healthcare System. She went back to work full time as a Development Manager for United Way and Executive Director of the Glenbrook High School Foundation.
Sue then dedicated the remainder of her life to being an outstanding and lucrative Development Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Cook County North Suburbs. She put in the hard groundwork of raising awareness of mental illness while also providing support and resources for those affected by it. She coordinated many phenomenal events including a 5K walk and Gala every year. For one of those Galas, she teamed up with a well known Bears player and mental illness advocate to be a keynote speaker and it was a massive success.
Sue loved so much about life. She loved antiquing, golfing, playing tennis, drinking tea, cooking, dogs and horses, botanic gardens, history, and reading. She absolutely adored her friendships. She was a dedicated and one of a kind friend. She took comfort in her OLPH Guild and Catholic faith.
She is now with her child, Trevor Rose and parents, George and Elaine Masters in Heaven. She is survived by her loving husband, Craig Ockerlund, children, Todd Rose, Courtney Rose, Kristin Ockerlund, and Julie (Austin) Mohs, grandson, Paxton Mohs, brother, George (Lynda) Masters, nephews, Adam (Amanda) Masters and Gregory (Carolyn) Masters, and niece, Stephanie Masters.
Comments(9)
Moira Melendez says:
April 17, 2020 at 9:58 AMSue was such a wonderful person. I am filled with sadness as I still cannot believe she has passed. I enjoyed working with her for five years at NAMI-CCNS. She had such passion for our organization. She often came into our office really motivated about something that would be helpful for our organization. Her excitement was captivating. Sue loved NAMI. I will miss her very much as my co-worker and friend.
Carrue says:
April 17, 2020 at 10:11 AMSue, you will be missed! You were the face of NAMI CCNS. Your passion for NAMI CCNS was contagious. I can’t imagine walking back through the office doors and not seeing you at your desk saying, “oh, good, you’re here!” ❤️
Zecharia Gilbert says:
April 17, 2020 at 11:15 PMI can’t help but laugh at this all the whole tears are coming to me. I experienced this every time. – Zech
Bonnie and Bob Tamillo says:
April 17, 2020 at 12:21 PMWe are so sad to hear this news. We knew Sue and Todd through volunteering at the NAMI Walks. She was a special lady and a powerful force. Sincerest condolences to her family.
Mary Vreugdenhil says:
April 17, 2020 at 2:06 PMI am grateful to have known Sue. She was an inspiration to everyone she knew!
Zecharia Gilbert says:
April 17, 2020 at 11:17 PMShe was! Is and continues to be! We were fortunate to have someone so passionate about mental health!
Rose Seach says:
April 22, 2020 at 12:27 PMSusan was so kind to me. I met Susan at a NAMIWalks Manager Training. Susan welcomed me and gave me such reassurance in my abilities and tips on how to run my walk event. I know Susan will be greatly missed.
Bill Peterson says:
April 23, 2020 at 1:24 PMSue and I both worked for NAMI and had been acquainted for many years as fellow development directors working for different affiliates. She was a tremendous asset to the NAMI organization. She helped grow NAMI CCNS over the years into a successful affiliate by cultivating donors and funders to help sustain the organization’s vital programs. Sue’s passion and commitment to the issue of mental health was inspiring. I am so saddened to hear of her passing and will miss her spirit and can-do attitude. My condolences to Sue’s family and her NAMI colleagues.
Patricia Caine says:
May 5, 2020 at 11:09 AMI was so sad to learn of Sue’s passing. She was such an amazing, charismatic, sharp woman. Her dedication and commitment to NAMI were inspiring. Her spirit was warm. Sue was just … fun. Delightful, authentically driven, social, influential, and a real force of nature. Loved her. 🙁