Margaret Louise Gonzales

Margaret Gonzales, 71 of Chicago passed away in her sleep in April of 2022 from organic heart disease. At the time of passing, she was living in her apartment at Sunnyside and Ashland.

Margaret was retired. She will be remembered mostly for her dedication to her job as administrative assistant at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, (RIC) before it transitioned to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab on the Northwestern Memorial Hospital campus.

Margaret worked many years for Vinod Sahgal, MD, the hospital’s neurologist. Her last job before leaving the Institute was managing the office of Henry Betts, MD, the Institute’s president. The most unusual aspect of her career is that the Institute was like a home for Margaret. It was her first job out of high school and also her last. She often spoke of and loved the relationship she had with Dr. Sahgal's and Dr. Betts' families. 

When Margaret left RIC, she suffered a very serious emotional disconnect and became unable to cope. She didn't return calls, answer mail or contact friends. Though financially very stable, she perceived she was penniless and left her apartment and became homeless. She finally sought shelter at the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. It took many months, but her life began to turn around with the help of several friends.

Some notable people in Margaret's life were:

Pearl Regale, a kind and reliable support and presence in Margaret's life, especially in her later years. She visited Margaret every Sunday after she left RIC. Pearl and her husband looked after Fishbone, Margaret's cat, when Margaret felt unable to care for him. 

Ruth Ann Watkins: A fun and rusted friend, with whom she shared a lot time over the decades.          

Dr. Don Pellioni, whose friendship she treasured and with whom she maintained contact after he retired from RIC and relocated to San Diego.                                        

Mary and Tim Alberda: After Margaret's mental problems following her departure from a decades-long career at RIC, she was able to begin her life again thanks to Mary and Tim. They were instrumental in locating Margaret at the Pacific Garden Mission. They safeguarded her possessions and returned them to a new apartment when she was ready to resume a normal life.   

Sherry and Tom Zimmerman: During the hiatus from homeless shelter to Sunnyside Avenue, they gave Margaret a place to live and helped her through the transition. 

Charles Jones: Charles was likely the last person Margaret spoke with before she passed. She counted on his friendship. He often helped her with heavy lifting, shopping, and deliveries. Charles also hired Margaret to care for their pooch, Tucker, (in the photo with Margaret) when he and husband, Eddy Aguirre were out of town. 

Margaret’s friends remember her as having an acutely sharp wit. She loved going to movie theaters and spent much of her time devoted to animals. Her pets were always cats but she also enjoyed looking after friend’s dogs when they were away and volunteered at pet boutiques.

Margaret’s taste was mostly whimsical; both in art and fashion. Her friends often looked to her for advice. Before her unexpected death, she was designing jewelry to start an on-line women’s accessory business. 

Many people will miss her for her unusual and unique contributions. 

The memorial service for Margaret is planned for Friday, June 28, 2024, at Rosehill Cemetery, located at 5800 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60660. Vehicles are requested to assemble at the main office within the gates at 11:45 am. From there, a procession will lead to the Serenity Garden, approximately six blocks west, for the urn placement ceremony at noon. If we are notified of any changes in time or date, they will be posted in this location. 

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