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Karen Daniel Obituary

Karen L. Daniel, age 62 of Oak Park, was a nationally-known wrongful convictions attorney and clinical professor of law, who was responsible for the exoneration and release of numerous wrongfully-convicted persons. In her many years at the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University School of Law, she taught and mentored hundreds of students and earned the love and admiration of her clients, students, and fellow members of the legal community. Until recently she was the Director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions, and was recently named a Professor Emerita of Law at Northwestern University School of Law; beloved wife of Alan Goldberg; loving mother of Scott Goldberg Daniel; cherished stepmother of Julia (Daniel) Alamillo, Laura and Diana Goldberg; adored grandmother of Sophia; devoted daughter of Mary K. Daniel and the late Richard H. Daniel; dear sister of Kelly (David) Selva; treasured aunt and friend to many. Memorial Service Monday, 11:00 a.m. at Oak Park Temple B'nai Abraham Zion, 1235 N. Harlem Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302. In lieu of flowers, contributions to a member organization in the Innocence Network, www.innocencenetwork.org/members. Information: The Goldman Funeral Group, www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com (847) 478-1600.
Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 29, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Daniel

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21 Entries

Juanita Tool

March 25, 2020

This is so tragic. I did not know this beautiful lady but I know the work that she has done and the world is a better place because of her. God bless you, Karen.

Andrea Schwartz

December 31, 2019

30 years ago the racquetball craze was sweeping the country. Karen was a huge nemesis of mine. We were both two of the better players around back then. I believe she won the State A division, putting her into the top division. On top of everything else, she was one heck of an athlete. The memories of those times are indelible.

Pat Flannery

December 30, 2019

Allen, so sorry for your loss. Karen was a great lawyer and a very lovely person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Steven Hawthorne

December 30, 2019

This world will be so empty without the likes of you. But you will continue to shine a light in this world like a candle that lights other candles. Your legacy will last because every good work that we do i.e. those that you have blessed will be forwarded to you. Peace my sister . until we meet again.

Yasi Navai

December 30, 2019

Alan, I am sorry to hear of Karen's passing. We all lost a bright light and I can't imagine the pain that you and her entire family must be feeling now. Unfortunately, I am out of town right now or I would be there. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that I, like many others, have you in my thoughts. May her memory be a blessing on you.

Julia Katz

December 30, 2019

Alan,
I just want you to know that your OLLI friends are thinking of you. May your family be surrounded by love at this time of sorrow.

Debbie Nall

December 29, 2019

This is a tragic loss to Karen's family, her friends and the legal community.

Angelo Messina

December 29, 2019

I did not Karen personally, I only remember her from the dog park. My recollection is of a group of us standing in a circle with snow falling in sub-freezing weather shooting the bull...she was engaging, soft spoken, but had a presence about her that was unforgettable. I would have never imagined how profoundly brilliant she was and compounded with her huge and compassionate heart what an impact she had on so many in her fight to right injustice. God bless you Karen and your family.... Angelo & Abbey (03/19/05-12/20/19)

December 28, 2019

Shining star of our legal community.

December 28, 2019

Karen,
My thoughts are with you. You were a great wonderful person and a good trusted wonderful friend. You did wonderful work for the world.
With the fondest of memories. A great friend of Jane Railry and Larry Marshall. May you rest in peace.
Micheal Metnick

patti lacy

December 28, 2019

My cowriter Angie Reedy and I met Karen when she agreed to talk to us about the Alan Beaman exoneration. We expected a few minutes of her time as she rushed to court. Imagine our surprise when Karen greeted us in the Northwestern facility, gave us a tour, including the photos of "her" exonerees, and shared what she could about the Beaman case. We complimented Karen for her excellent command of the English language, particularly her writing of briefs, and asked if she'd considered writing a book about her experiences. She demurred but did share an interesting observation: behind every exoneree she'd represented stood a hero of a person who'd fought every step of the way with the imprisoned, who'd encouraged and given and cried and laughed.

Our two hours with Karen will not be forgotten. She taught us about humility and perseverance and fairness and privilege. If Karen gave so much to two writers from the Town of Normal, we can only imagine the loss and grief of her loved ones, friends, and colleagues. May God give you peace and comfort in this horrible trial.

Patti Lacy and Angie Reedy

Tony Daniels

December 28, 2019

Karen's death leaves a terrible void in the force of those working to insure all receive justice, especially those convicted of serious felonies and unable to afford the best representation. I met Karen when serving as a witness in her successful exoneration of Alan Beaman. Karen proved relentless in her quest for the truth and her ability to think outside the box. She was an tremendous asset to the justice system, a devastating opponent in court. Karen brought patience to the table, evidenced by meticulous research and her ability to encourage and keep her head down and reading briefs during the interminably slow appeals process. Long after the exoneration of her client, Karen dropped me notes and sent links to news articles. I will miss her. Blessings and sympathy to her family and loved ones during this time of grief and mourning for a shining star of a person.
Tony Daniels

Dolby Knott, Jr. IAPMO President

December 28, 2019

♥ The Illinois Adventist Prison Ministry Organization/Prisoners of Hope Project (IAPMO/POHP) wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family of our dear sister and comrade Karen Daniel. Sister Daniel Will Be Sorely Missed.

Jane Rea

December 28, 2019

Karen and her associates brought answers to prayers and justice to our family very early in her career at CWC. Words are inadequate to express our appreciation of her work and ongoing friendship during the twenty years since. Sincere condolences to her family and the many who will miss her along with us. Gods peace.

Scott Slonim

December 28, 2019

Karen, your memory will be for a blessing. You were a hero, an inspiration to so many of us. The many you rescued are a legacy.

Cynthia HartKnott

December 28, 2019

♥ The Illinois Adventist Prison Ministry Organization/Prisoners of Hope Project (IAPMO/POHP) wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family of our dear sister and comrade Karen Daniel. Sister Daniel Will Be Sorely Missed.

Sharon Wood

December 27, 2019

A great loss but she contributed so much.Condolences to her family.

diane conmy

December 27, 2019

Karen's light will shine on through the hearts and minds of all of the people she has worked for and with. Her tireless dedication to fighting for what is right is a continuous light that will shine on forever.
And the love she has for her family will always be what provided Karen, her deepest joy.

Kate Dernocoeur

December 27, 2019

What a horrific loss to all of humanity. Karen was a treasured mentor to my daughter, and to many like her. One of the bright lights has been extinguished, and we are all the more lost without it. RIP, Karen. You were (and are still) dearly loved. - Kate D.

December 27, 2019

My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return our loved ones who passed away in death . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .

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Memorial Events
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Dec

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Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Oak Park Temple B'nai Abraham Zion

1235 N. Harlem Avenue, Oak Park, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Goldman Funeral Group - Buffalo Grove Chapel

195 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

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