Ethel D. Migra Ph.D.

1930 - 2022

Ethel D. Migra, Ph.D., age 92, was a dedicated educator devoted to progressive ideas about education and humanistic values. She viewed teaching as a natural partnership with curiosity and life-long learning.

After raising her three daughters, she completed her Ph.D. at Kent State University in her 40s. She was appointed Supervisor of Elementary Education for Warren Public Schools in the late 1970s. Dr. Migra's plan for desegregation and a social studies curriculum drew criticism from the local Board of Education, resulting in a contract dispute that eventually went to the Supreme Court. In his summary of the case, University of Missouri researcher, Dr. David Achtenberg said about Ethel Migra, "She was a hero. She deserved better."

Dr. Migra joined National Louis University (formerly National College of Education) in 1980 as Professor of Teacher Education. As Dean, she developed field-based graduate teacher education programs in Chicago, Florida, Germany, England and Italy.

After retirement in 1994, she continued as Adjunct Professor of Teacher Education at the Graduate School, St. Xavier University, until she was 81 years old.

Ethel was a life-long journal keeper and voracious reader. She was enthralled by politics and current events and read everything from The New Yorker and The Sun to People Magazine. She had a life-long dedication to progressive politics and had frequent, passionate talks with family and friends about the state of world.

Born in Elyria, Ohio, the daughter of Sula O. Kerley and Hazel (nee Carnahan), Ethel was raised on a farm and enjoyed writing, blogging, cooking and entertaining. A devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, she will be deeply missed by her 3 daughters, Jerri-Anne Garl (Charles Smith), Patricia Garl, Sara Garl; her 5 grandchildren, Wren Garl Smith (Jessica Kinyon), Emma Garl Smith (David Javier Thompson), Hannah Garl Cobb, and Olivia Garl; and 2 great grandchildren, Jack Kinyon Smith and Margaux Kinyon Smith, as well as extended family and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be planned in the coming months.

Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to sign guestbook and to leave a condolence message.