Maureen O'Donnell on Muck Rack

Maureen O'Donnell

Verified
Chicago
As seen in: Chicago Sun-Times, Color Research & Application, Wiley Online Library, La Voz Chicago, Yahoo Sports Canada, Daily Herald, Chicago Defender, Inkl
Reporter; former obits writer at Chicago Sun-Times. Past president, Society of Professional Obituary Writers. Daughter of immigrants. She/her. I love this town.

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Articles

Burt Meyer, Chicago toymaker behind classics like Mouse Trap, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, has died at 99 Original

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By Maureen O'Donnell 
| Chicago Sun-Times
Burt Meyer brought toy joy to Baby Boomers, Millennials and all the Gens — from Alpha to X to Z. An inventor, designer and artist, Mr. Meyer, whose work contributed to Chicago becoming a vibrant center of toy design, died Oct. 30 at a west suburban retirement community. He was 99.
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Jerry Butler dead at 85; singer known as 'The Iceman' also had a long career in Cook County politics

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By MAUREEN O’DONNELL, Maureen O'Donnell 
| Chicago Sun-Times
Jerry Butler’s baritone combined the soaring ecstasy of church, the rumbling rhythms of Chicago and the soul of his native Sunflower, Mississippi. Warm and plush but also cool, it won him the nickname “Iceman.” The songs of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer became a soundtrack for the 1950s and 1960s. He achieved fame as a member of The Impressions and later as a solo soul artist. His songs have been sampled by others including Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Method Man and The Game.
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Rodessa Barrett Porter of the legendary Barrett Sisters gospel trio dies at 94 Original

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By Maureen O'Donnell 
| Chicago Sun-Times
Rodessa Barrett Porter’s crystalline soprano spun filigrees in the music of the Barrett Sisters, who gave goosebumps to audiences while giving glory to God. Mrs. Porter, the last living member of the gospel trio, died Monday, according to social media posts from family members. It was the day after her 94th birthday. “My heart is sad and our family chain is broken again,” cousin Ron Barrett posted on Facebook on Monday.
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