Jacqueline "Dare" Perkins

Jacqueline (Dare) Perkins died on May 24, 2023 at Benedictine Living Community in Northfield, Minnesota. She was 88.
Dare was born on March 27th, 1935, to James (Earl) Duckworth and Blanche Duckworth in Chicago, IL. She attended Wheaton College, earning a degree in Christian Education and credentials for teaching. She also served as a lifeguard, cultivating a lifelong love of swimming. After graduating, she spent a year teaching in Rhode Island before returning to Chicago to continue her career as an educator in Evergreen Park, IL. She later attended University of Chicago for graduate studies in school counseling. She married Donald C. Perkins in 1963, and they adopted a son, Don, in 1969. Taking a break from counseling to raise him, Dare served on parent-teacher associations throughout her son's schooling.
After her husband died in 1989, Dare went back to school for her library degree and subsequently worked at the Orland Park Public Library and the Kedzie School library in Chicago, the culminating position from which she retired in 2000. Dare was a talented and beloved teacher and mentor, nurturing students from elementary age through high school. Believing deeply in the fundamental worth of every child, Dare helped each student connect with their own story, whether through counseling, classroom learning, library storytime, or special visits from role models like Gwendolyn Brooks and Hillary Clinton.
Dare met her longtime sweetheart, Mike Ahrendt, in 1992 and enjoyed companionship over the next 31 years.
In addition to education, Dare had a passion for animals. She owned and bred schnauzers and shih tzus, always staying in touch with the families of the puppies and dogsitting whenever possible. In the 2000s, Dare began fostering through Blessed Bonds, caring for beloved pets while their owners were encountering challenging times. In 2013, she moved from her home in Palos Park to live at Victorian Village in Homer Glen.
Dare found her way to religious communities early in her life and was active for many years in the Presbyterian Church, including serving as a Sunday School teacher and a Stephens Minister. Here she contributed her signature listening skills and ability to help people know they matter. Dare was also a gifted crafter, spending all year crocheting holiday gifts to deliver to friends and family.
Dare was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as her brother, Zollie (Clark) Perkins. She is survived by her sweetheart, Mike Ahrendt of Homer Glen, IL and her son, Don Perkins (Elise Eslinger) of Northfield, MN, and three grandchildren (Addison, Mackenzie, and Zachary Perkins).
The family expresses deep appreciation for caregivers at Benedictine Living Community in Northfield and the St. Croix Hospice team, whose care in Dare's final days was attentive, kind, and compassionate. A family celebration of life will be held this summer in Chicago. Memorials may be directed to the Blessed Bonds program of A.D.O.P.T. shelter in Naperville, IL or the Alzheimer's Association.
Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com