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Mary Ellen Asher Steinberg, age 70, passed away peacefully November 4, 2019 due to cancer. Preceded in death by her parents James and Florene Asher of Springfield, Virginia, she is survived by her loving husband, Ron Steinberg of Chicago, and her three siblings, sister Lesley Asher Rackowski and husband Tom of Portland, NY; James Asher and his wife Brooke of Charlottesville, VA; and Daniel Asher and his partner Carol Leitkam of Reston, VA. She is also survived by her nephews Andrew and Brandon Rackowski and her nieces Ryan and Cydney Asher.
In addition to her family, Mary loved and was loved by numerous friends, associates, co-workers, and students. She was incredibly curious, intelligent, funny and caring. Mary travelled all over the world; had diverse musical interests (John Prine in particular); loved movies; frequently attended theater and comedy acts; loved to read; and enjoyed discussions on politics and social issues. She loved spending Saturday afternoons at Chicago's weekly comedy news show The Paper Machete at the Green Mill Lounge.
Mary bravely faced down various physical challenges over the years, including muscular sclerosis, to lead a highly successful career. She worked at the Internal Revenue Service from 1971-1997 as a Revenue Agent and Tax Law Specialist, Employee Development Specialist, and Organizational Development Specialist. She then became an independent consultant and trainer with expertise in communication skills, change, leadership development, conflict resolution, feedback and coaching. She was admired and beloved for her knowledge, compassion, and sense of humor.
Mary co-authored two business books, "Challenging Change: Five Steps for Dealing Positively with Change" and "Yes You Can! Everything You Need from A to Z to Influence Others to Take Action". She was most proud, though, of her final work as poet and related blogger of "When They Go Low, We Go Haiku".
A celebration of Mary's life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National MS Society (Greater Illinois Chapter), the Journey Care Foundation, and Chicago's The Paper Machete.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Ron,
Very sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Much to young. Hope you are well.
Regards
Ben Pearlman
Ben Pearlman
November 9, 2019
Mary was a friend
From Chicago's running club
We ran, ate, and, and drank
She liked to travel
And host great dessert parties
Always with a smile
We moved far away
But our friendship never waned
Our visits were fun
I loved her haikus
And sassy facebook postings
She made me smile too
I will miss her so
Memories I will cherish
Live like Mary did
Hugs to our friend Ron
We hold you deep in our thoughts
A deep loss for sure
Love, Janet (and Alan)
Apologies to the great haiku writers of the world like Mary
Janet Raiche
November 6, 2019
"What was once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose, For all that we love deeply, becomes part of us."
Anthony Capobianco
November 6, 2019
Dear Jim, Brooke and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your sister, sister in law, Aunt. Thoughts and prayers for all of you at this difficult time.
Deb Wald (Burley Middle School Nurse)
Deborah Wald
November 6, 2019
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