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Molly Mack Obituary
CHAMPAIGN – Molly Ann Mack passed away on Dec. 10, 2008, in Champaign, at the age of 58.
She was born in Portland, Ore., on July 19, 1950, the daughter of Robert and Gretchen Mack.
She was a professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Illinois and had resided in Illinois since 1985. After attending St. Mary's Academy (Portland, Ore.) for high school, Dr. Mack received her B.A. degree in English from Willamette University (Salem, Ore.), her M.A. in English from the University of Vermont, and her Ph.D. in linguistics from Brown University.
Prior to her position at the University of Illinois, she had worked in a post-doctoral position at Brown, taught psycholinguistics at Wellesley College, and served as a speech researcher at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
She was the author of articles and chapters on psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics, and was the co-editor of a book, "Mind, Brain, and Language." She had struggled with fibromyalgia, and chronic pain and fatigue condition, since 1986, and in 2002 was diagnosed with late-stage Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, for which she underwent years of maintenance chemotherapy.
She is survived by one brother and a former husband.
There will be no services.
Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, is handling arrangements.
Memories and Condolences
for Molly Mack
Jane James
December 31, 2008
I did not have the pleasure of knowing you personally Molly, but I want to 'Thank You' for giving me a Fibro Fmily,without the help and support they continue to give me,I would have given up a long time ago.God bless you,may you now be at peace.
Diane Green
December 27, 2008
There are no words to describe the depths of my gratitude to you for founding the FMily at Fibrom-L. It was a lifeline for me that gave me the support and information I needed to regain function and a life of minimal pain from FMS and CMP. Thank you Molly! I wish I could have known you personally. My deepest condolences to all your family and friends.
Serene Chan
December 22, 2008
Molly was such an inspiring teacher. I still remember the 2 classes I took with her. She was very thorough, from the materials she prepared to the comments on our assignments. May you rest in peace, Molly.
Jaihee kwon
December 21, 2008
It is really sad to hear that someone I know passed away especially at this time of year. Although I took just one class from her, she was my one-time role model. I really wanted to become a woman working professionally like her. I still keep the papers with the comments I received from her. I have missed her after graduation and I will forever.
AbdulGhani Abu
December 21, 2008
Dr Molly Mack,
I still remember the very first day you came to the faculty...I was among the students who listened to your first presentation. You were very friendly and easily approachable. You always welcomed us to your office at any time of the day. I will always remember your kindness...
Hsiu Ju Lin
December 20, 2008
I'm so sorry to know that Dr. Mack has left us all. I could never forget how I've enjoyed being in her class. I was really lucky to be able to be one of her students sharing her great knowledge.
Diane Eagle
December 19, 2008
I took statistics with Dr. Mack, a course many of us English-types lived in fear of. I was lost half the time, which is why I spent countless hours in her office, getting clarification and encouragement. A more patient soul there never was. I was in her office at least once a week, sometimes more. A few times she was putting on her coat, ready to leave, but when I showed up she cheerily stayed and answered all of my questions. A lesser teacher would not have done the same, and I try to remember her attitude and kindness when some of my students are trying my patience! May she rest in peace now.
Rosa Shim
December 18, 2008
I still remember Molly's sunny, spotless home and her matching image of perfect attire. I have to confess that I was a bit taken aback when I first saw her in red rimmed glasses. Until then, I had thought that professors weren't supposed to look good or be interested in fashion. Molly was the kind of person, woman, and professor that I wanted to become. I will always remember her along with all her students...
Jeehae Ahn
December 18, 2008
I still vividly remember how most wonderfully supportive, generous and understanding Molly was when I became sick during my very first semester at the U of I.
And I am very sorry that I wasn't able to reconnect with her more, both in and out of class.
Molly, your generous spirit will be missed... May you rest in peace.
Nkonko Kamwangamalu
December 18, 2008
It is with sadness that I heard about the passing of my professor, Molly. Molly made a memorable contribution to my training as a scholar. I will miss her. May her soul rest in peace.
Nkonko M. Kamwangamalu
Washington, DC
Jenny Derksen
December 17, 2008
The first class I took with Dr. Mack I was so scared because I thought I could never be smart enough. I quickly learned that I didn't have to be smart enough...she was more than enough teacher. Thank you.
Kristen Saunders
December 17, 2008
Dear Molly,
So sorry to hear of your passing. Without having taken your class in Neurolinguistics and Bilingualism I never would have been able to write a thesis almost 20 years later. You were so inspirational to me. I will never forget your influence, and my thoughts are with your family and myriad friends.
Jack Song
December 17, 2008
Dear Dr. Mack,
You have been an inspiration to all of us at UIUC. We will always miss you.
Maria McCormick
December 17, 2008
I will always remember enjoying neurolinguistics lectures with you in your red glasses.
Kent Lee
December 17, 2008
Molly-
You were a supportive and inspiring professor, and your classes led me to where I am today. We all admire and appreciate you so much. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Molly.
Bill and Brenda Helm
December 17, 2008
Always, we'll treasure the pleasure of Molly's visits to our home on two very special family occasions, as well as the memorable opportunities and privilege of corresponding with this remarkable and talented lady over the years. 'Bye! Molly.
Nina Ito (formerly Skokut)
December 17, 2008
I remember that on the first day of the first class I took with Dr. Mack, she indicated that she knew who I was. Wow--I had thought that I was an "invisible" student, so it impressed me that she said that. Rest in peace, Dr. Mack!
Audrey
December 17, 2008
Molly,
You were an inspiration, a mentor, and a friend. Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are already missed.
Joy Garling Prud'homme
December 17, 2008
Molly was a gifted teacher. (she guided me easily through statistics, a subject I had always hated.) She smiled in the face of adversity. She will always be remembered and admired.
Bernardo Angulo
December 17, 2008
Molly,
I was extremely fortunate to have been able to know you as a professor and as a friend. You were truly an inspiration. I will never forget you. May you rest in peace.
Cecilia Alm
December 16, 2008
Molly Mack was a fantastic educator. She was a strong source of inspiration and a role model for her students. I am so extremely grateful for what she taught me. May she rest in peace.
Volker Hegelheimer
December 16, 2008
Dear Molly,
All I have are fond memories of your classes I am fortunate enough to have attended (particularly EIL 389 - I think that was the number then). Without your help and support early on, my professional path would not have been possible.
Best,
Volker
Gary Linebaugh
December 16, 2008
Rest in peace. I learned a lot from you.
Ryonhee Kim
December 16, 2008
Dear Molly,
I am so sorry that I haven't contacted you since I left Champaign. I sincerely apologize for that. You are gone now but you as the winner (in spite of all the pains) will be in my memory forever. I will love you and miss you always. Rest in peace.
DR. RICELI MENDOZA
December 15, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Pam Valley
December 15, 2008
Dr. Mack,
Thank you for creating a website for all of us that suffer the pain of FM. After 2-3 years of treatment, I am applying for work again. Healing is hard work. Glad you will no longer suffer all the pain.
rajka smiljanic
December 15, 2008
Molly was a wonderful teacher and an inspirational scholar. I am very happy I knew her while at the U of I. May she rest in peace.
Jamie Lee
December 15, 2008
Dr. Mack,
You were such a wonderful teacher. You truly inspired so many of us who studied at UIUC. I hope you can now rest in peace with no pain
Carmen Martinez
December 15, 2008
I just took one course with her but it is one I will never forget. She was a great scholar and educator. May she rest in peace.
cindy Birdwise-Lecocq
December 15, 2008
Dear Molly:
Thank you for creating FibromL as without it I would be lost in a world of pain. Loving kindness are words that come to mind when I think of FibromL and those feelings began with you. Thank you again for connecting our much needed support group.
Connie Boronat
December 15, 2008
Dear Molly,
I remember how you taught me to do speech segmentation when I was your research assistant in the late 80's, and how very patient and rigorous you were in your expectations. I remember too how wonderfully preppy you were, and how you had different color eyeglass frames to match the colors of your sweaters. You were generous and kind, and a delight to know. I hope that you are at peace.
Cynthia Morton-Petry
December 15, 2008
Molly will be missed by all of us. Molly became a member of our family the day Emma met her and her beautiful white samoyed, Muffy, 17 years ago. She has finally let go of the all the health issues that brought so much pain and sadness to her and can now join her parents, Bud & Gretchen in everlasting peace with the angels and saints in heaven.
Gary Brummet
December 15, 2008
You had a wonderful smile during many difficult times. Peace be with you.
Carol
December 14, 2008
Rest well, dear Molly. Thank you for giving me hope through all your work in the Fibromyalgia community.
Jane Kohler
December 14, 2008
Your vision brought thousands of people suffering from Fibromyalgia together.You will be missed Molly but your legacy will not die.
Lisa Clark
December 14, 2008
I thank you Molly for all the things you've done for the FMily. I hope and pray you are now free from the pain that bound you in life and that in death you've found peace that you so richly deserve.
Audrey Liebl
December 13, 2008
Molly, you will be so missed by the FMily you started on alt.fibromyalgia, now Fibrom-L, so many years ago. Your legacy will live on, dear one, as you have touched so many other lives during your short one on Earth.
Now you are free of the pain that bound you - may you fly free amongst the stars.
Audrey Liebl, Owner and Co-fac at Fibrom-L
Pavel
December 13, 2008
Dearest Molly: You were a true inspiration as a mentor, colleague, and friend. I miss you dearly.
Jerry Packard
December 13, 2008
Goodbye, Molly
We all love and will miss you.
Trish Bright
December 13, 2008
I worked with Molly at U of I about 20 years ago, when I was a secretary in English as an International Language. She was such a wonderful person to work with. I know she will be missed by all who knew her! My condolences to the family.
Paul Petry
December 13, 2008
Molly was a wonderful and caring person. She was a true "dog lover" as she shared that connection with my younger sister, Emma. She had been a long time friend of the whole family once we met her during a stay with my grandmother. Molly will be missed.
Jessica, Kyle, Jayde, Riley, and Addison Helfrich
December 13, 2008
We all love you Molly! You were truly a wonderful person.
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