Jean Maack

Jean was both a practical and a passionate person. She was my mother-in-law for 7 years and reached out to me after that to make sure I was all right. She offered to help fund my education--I didn't accept--but I was very grateful to know that had I needed it she would have kindly helped. Her energy and caring charged the democratic processes of every election with feminist power and was especially wonderful during the get out the ERA vote. She understood the difficulties of a working,...

I knew Jean as my high school friend's (Chris Maack) mother. Because of her, I was included in many family outings. I was included in warm family dinners in her home, trips to the dunes, Second City, the Emporium and Piper's Alley. Yes, Sweet Home Chicago. I remember her always going to the Newberry Library and doing geneology. What a fun mom and how blessed was I to have known her. That was in the sixties and knowing her as I grew up really influenced the way I grew up and broadened my...

I felt very honored to have known her during her "twilight years" when she was a powerful presence for our local democratic party in Jackson County. Several years ago at an event recognizing her achievements at the Hillcrest Winery, Senator Wyden told all of us about Jean's campaigning during his first election many years before. Despite hundreds of folks campaigning for him over the years, Jean was the one that he remembered. She was a powerful advocate for all that can be good in America....

Our sincere condolences to all in the Maack family, but especially to my friend Chris and his wife Kathryn. It was an honor and a privilege to have known your mom.

I was Jean's local IEA representative for many years. She was an icon in Downers Grove and the state of Illinois as an outstanding and highly respected teacher and Assn.leader. She was her local Assn.President, Regional Representative, Region Chair, and IEA Board member. She fought hard to make teaching a better profession, always with the welfare of students first in hand. She was front and center in battling for women rights. She was active in local, state, and national politics , leaving...

She was a great teacher and a phenomenal example of how to be a wonderful human being. I absolutely loved her! My condolences to the Maack family.

I have wonderful memories of Mrs Maack. I especially loved the rube goldberg project we did in 8th grade. I am pretty sure she is the reason I too went to the U of I. She inspired me to follow that science inclination I had. I hold an MS in anaerobic bacti and now I subsitute teach middle school math/science. RIP, Mrs Maack, you made a difference in so many lives.

I fondly recall Mrs. Maack as one of the finest instructors of my lifetime. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
Brian Brownell, Herrick Junior High School, about 1963.

Mrs. Maack taught at Herrick Junior High in Downers Grove when I was a student there in the late 1970s. I never had her as a teacher, but she helped me become involved in ERA-Illinois -- my earliest foray into political activism. She was kind and feisty and funny and such an inspiration. My condolences to all who knew and loved her. She truly lit many candles in the world for justice.