Distinguished Alumnus
Class of 2024

Margaret Ann Monahan
September 2, 1965 – March 20, 2017

AHS Class of 1983

In a life fostered by the values of her family and the Arcola community, Margaret Monahan demonstrated that success is not only measured by personal gain or public accolades, but also by the positive influence one has on the lives of others.

Margaret Ann Monahan was born September 2, 1965, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the first of nine children of Pat and Annie Monahan. Her family relocated to LaGrange, Illinois, in January 1967, and then settled in Arcola in 1970, when Margaret enrolled in Arcola Elementary School. She was big sister to Mike, Kate, Colleen, Dan, Jim, Dave, Kevin and Julie, and a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Margaret felt fortunate to grow up in Arcola, surrounded by a community that felt more like an extended family.

At Arcola High School, Margaret was a devoted four-year member of AFS, holding offices three years and serving as president her senior year. She was a three-year baseball statistician and also three-year Student Council representative, serving as the organization’s vice-president. Additionally, Margaret participated in Drama Club, Computer Club, Scholastic Bowl, Band and Spanish Club. In her senior year, she received the Social Studies Award and the National English Merit Award.

Following her 1983 high school graduation, Margaret enrolled at St. Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana, and then completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Communication Studies in 1987. The following year she worked as a Holy Cross Associate at an inner-city school extended care program in Oakland, California. Margaret later joined the staff of an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children, where she worked as a family educator. During this time she taught herself Spanish and continued her education to earn a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois Chicago in 1992.

In 1989, Margaret joined Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago as a child welfare specialist, where she began her 28-year career providing crisis intervention and counseling to thousands of abused and neglected children. Most were in foster care, many were sexually abused, suffered emotional and behavioral disorders and had special needs. She worked with children in their homes, their schools and the court system in places that were often surrounded in poverty and violence. Margaret became the clinical director of Youth and Family Therapeutic Services as she continued to provide individual counseling, while also managing the team of Catholic Charities counselors who work with victims of trauma. She motivated her co-workers with optimism and humor, always reminding them to keep a balanced life.

Monahan’s compassionate spirit and unwavering commitment to justice and healing for abused children was recognized as she received the 2012 Humanitas Award given by the Alumnae Association of Saint Mary’s College. The honor is bestowed on “an alumna who is outstanding in her personal and volunteer accomplishments and is recognized for her concern for the interests and welfare of her fellow human beings. Her actions exemplify the qualities of personal dedication, compassion, selflessness and sacrifice through social action, education, and reform within the community, the church and the world.” In her acceptance of the honor, Margaret stated, “I don’t consider myself a humanitarian. I consider myself lucky enough to be able to be with children on their journey of healing and find it an incredible joy, honor and privilege to be able to do so.”

In time away from her life’s work, Margaret was an adventurous traveler, impressive amateur chef, active participant in her book club, determined tennis player, avid Chicago Cubs fan and a constant at annual Arcola Broom Corn Festivals. She was a member of Old St. Patrick’s Church, Chicago, and an involved participant, volunteer and source of inspiration for the annual KFM Cancer Classic. Margaret’s work with children on their journeys of healing ended with her peaceful passing on March 20, 2017.

In just fifty-one years, her selflessness and compassionate service had touched thousands of young lives. She was remembered with common themes of laughter, compassion, exuberance and the ability to make each friend feel like the most important person in the world. Margaret’s family remembers her as the rock everyone turned to in their times of need. As stated in her obituary, “Her kind soul and larger than life personality were evidence of a life well lived.”

As a result of the outpouring of support and generosity following Margaret’s death, the Margaret A. Monahan Memorial Scholarship was established for a rising first-year student at St. Mary’s College. Margaret’s volunteerism in high school, community involvement, zest for life and sense of humor guided the award criteria to honor the life that embodied the essence of empathy, compassion and societal contribution.