It is with profound sorrow yet deep reverence that we announce the passing of Maria Leonor Ivan, née Ramirez, a woman whose life was marked by grace, devotion, and a radiant spirit that touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on April 29, 1934, in the vibrant city of Bogotá, Colombia, Maria Leonor’s journey came to its peaceful close on May 4, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.

Maria Leonor was a talented singer, especially in the realm of opera, and found joy in playing the piano.  Her musical gifts found a special home in the St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church choir, where she was a dedicated member for an impressive 40 years. Her voice and devotion enriched countless services and brought comfort and inspiration to her community.

Maria Leonor was a very joyous and noble individual who cherished being surrounded by compassionate and loving people. She would light up the room with her smile and had a natural way of including others making them feel welcome and valued. She lived by many of the virtues found in quotes and sayings that she held close to her heart, embodying humility, perseverance and faith in her everyday life. Her deep religious conviction as a devout Catholic was central to her life's purpose and activities. From her earliest days, she embraced a rich cultural heritage and a steadfast faith that would guide her through a life full of love and meaning.

Among her proudest accomplishments was her cherished role as mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Leonor, (Jimmy) Lamperis, and her adored grandchildren—Anastasia, Sophia, and John Lamperis—who carry forward her legacy of love, faith, and strength. In addition, she was a treasured aunt and great-aunt to many, her extended family mourning the loss of a truly special soul.

Maria Leonor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jeno Ivan. She was also the youngest of eight siblings, a cherished daughter of Arcadio Ramirez and Delfina Ramirez, née Rojas, both of whom, along with her seven siblings, preceded her in death.

Friends and family will meet for a visitation on Saturday, May 9th, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5545 N. Paulina, Chicago. Interment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.

Maria Leonor Ivan’s life was a symphony of love, faith, and music—an opus that will continue to resonate in the hearts of her family, friends, and all fortunate enough to have known her or heard her sing. As we bid farewell, we hold onto the memories of her tender devotion and unwavering joy, treasures that will forever illuminate our lives.
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*Obituary courtesy Anello Funeral & Cremation Services

Splashes of Spring colors now greet our catechism students at the Monsignor Klasen Building (Memorial Gym). Catechesis of the Good Shepherd showed off its beautiful new artwork following last month's parish social at St. Gregory the Great. Thank you to artists Eva Niewiandomski and Kayla Placencio, who painted the murals for the classrooms. 

Interested in enrolling your child in our Montessori-style catechesis?
Details: stgregoryhall.org/cgs.html

📸: Mark Franzen, Eva Niewiandomski, & Jonanna Stramel

​Last year, the Food Pantry at St. Thomas of Canterbury church served 15,119 individuals, the highest number since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since 2023, the number of households coming to the pantry has nearly doubled. To keep up with demand, volunteers work diligently every week to pick up donations, stock shelves, and help patrons shop during open hours.

“I truly look forward to working at the pantry each week and often plan my schedule around it,” parishioner Donna Donovan said. “The people I volunteer with have become like family. We all work hard toward a common goal, and everyone is so friendly and willing to help one another.”

Dennis Donelson has been a key member of the Soup Kitchen team for over seven years. For him, the mission is personal. “My late son Aaron was a member of the community that the Soup Kitchen served,” Dennis said. “I felt an obligation to support it with my time and abilities to help pay it forward.”

The parish's Soup Kitchen, located at St. Thomas of Canterbury church (​4827 N. Kenmore), is open for dinner service from 5:30-6:30 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays. Dennis has fond memories of Aaron helping out in the Soup Kitchen and finding unique ways to use his God-given talents.

“He was great to have around to help me keep our guests in line; especially since he was a 6’4” tall mountain of a man,” Dennis said. “He would tell complete strangers that he was the ‘Director of Security’ with a big smile on his face.”

Dennis said his favorite part about volunteering is knowing that his efforts are “helping people that are struggling with the challenges of low income, mental health, isolation, and drug or alcohol addictions to stay nourished and cared for.”

Ways to Support the Soup Kitchen

• ​VOLUNTEER: If you are interested in preparing warm meals, serving dinner, and offering fellowship, please email the Soup Kitchen Manager.

 

• ​DONATE MONEY: Financial donations can mailed to the parish main office (1220 W. Catalpa) or be made online via GiveCentral.

 

• ​PURCHASE FOOD: Food and item donations purchased from our wish list will be sent directly to the Soup Kitchen. Or you can purchase items at any store and mail them to the parish main office (1220 W. Catalpa). *We will also take gently used kitchen tools.

​If you’ve volunteered or eaten at the Soup Kitchen, over the last five years,  you can thank Jennifer Franco for her leadership. Since 2020, she made sure the kitchen was stocked and staffed for service every week. 

​“Being the volunteer coordinator was not something I had planned to do, but I felt God had asked me to give it a try,” Jennifer said. “It ended up being one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life.”

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jennifer and wish her the best in her new endeavors.