Kate (Catherine Ellen) Mahoney, 61, died on February 17, 2021, of mesothelioma. Kate's entire life, including her career, was devoted to helping others.
Kate graduated from Northwestern University where she studied sociology and women's studies, and proudly worked on the feminist journal, Mountain Moving. She obtained a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan, and then began a life of service, seeking to improve people's lives directly through counseling and education, but also more broadly through social reform. At the heart of her work was her desire to remove the stigma associated with substance abuse disorder and mental illness and to resolve other public health and social issues.
Kate began her career by helping to build PEER Services in Evanston into a premier organization that provides prevention services and treatment for substance abuse disorder to Evanston and nearby communities. Kate was with PEER for more than 30 years, the last 25 years as its executive director. For the past several years, Kate served as Executive Director of the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. There, she worked tirelessly to increase awareness of, and share intervention strategies for, mental health issues in order to help to erase the stigma attached to mental illness and suicide. It is fitting that some of Kate's last words were about how she wished she could be here just a little longer because there was still so much more to do.
Kate was very close to her family: her brother, Steve Mahoney (Sally Swiss), her sister, Laura Mahoney, and her brother Brian Mahoney (Dr. Kathleen Mahoney). Kate's love of her siblings was matched by her love of her nephews: Brendan Mahoney (deceased), Dr. Reid Mahoney, and Mark, Dylan, Clark and Colin Mahoney. She truly would have done anything for them. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Myrna (nee Rasmussen) and George Mahoney. Kate had a wide network of friends, colleagues, mentors and mentees, so please share this with them.
For those who would like to make a memorial gift, the family supports the following: The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 325 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654 (http://naomiruthcoheninstitute.org/); Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1615 L Street NW, Suite 430, Washington DC 20036 (http://www.curemeso.org); and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Cancer Survivorship Center, 1999 Dempster St., Park Ridge, IL 60068.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Kate's life is being planned for Spring or Summer 2021 when pandemic protocols allow for a safe celebration. If you would like to be informed of that celebration, please reach out to Laura Mahoney at [email protected] and the family will contact you with details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Can't quite believe it's been a year, missing Kate more than ever ...
Laura
February 19, 2022
Kate was my client at Peer Services for their insurance. We quickly became friends and had lunch together often. Kate and I had lunch early last summer while my husband was quite ill. Kate helped me understand how best to care for him and myself. She was a truly a pure soul and I will miss her. All my best to her family-she spoke of you often and I know how much you will miss her.
Polly Kosyla
March 16, 2021
I am devastated to hear of Kate' passing. Her life impacted SO many people. The world is missing out on all that was Kate. I am so grateful I knew her.
Mary Ellen Ball
March 1, 2021
With sympathy to Kate's family. Kate and I worked together for 16 yers.Her contributions to substance abuse reduction/prevention and mental health will be missed.
Judith Treadway
February 28, 2021
Kate was a great friend and colleague she was very kind and always put the needs of others above her own . Praying for her family
DonnaMay
February 27, 2021
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace during this most difficult time.
LD
February 27, 2021
Kate was a colleague and friend who I loved and respected. Her heart and dedication to the field of substance use and mental health will be remembered forever. I send my sincere condolences to Kate's family and other friends.
Marvin Lindsey
February 27, 2021
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May God be with you and may he comfort you during this most difficult time.
PL
February 27, 2021
Kate's beautiful smile was always warm, open and friendly to all who were lucky enough to cross her path. Kate touched us personally in many ways. Most importantly, she shared an invaluable mental health mentor with us. Kate changed our lives and family as no one else could. We will miss her greatly and so will the community, which was enriched by her love and care. Our sympathy to all who loved Kate.
Sue & Tom Laue
February 26, 2021
My heart goes out to the Mahoney family, the NRCI"family." and everyone whose lives have been touched by Kate Mahoney. She was an extraordinary person who became a close personal freind over the years. She has touched so many lives and will be deeply missed. May her memory be a blessing.
Sharon Weingarten
February 26, 2021
Losing a loving friend is hard enough, but reflecting on the family and extending heartfelt prayers for the coming days. My sympathies to the family
Elke
February 26, 2021
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