Cathy F. Corl

February 7, 1947 – May 28, 2026

Cathy Florence Corl, 79, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, in Northbrook, Illinois. Born on February 7, 1947, in Chicago, the beloved daughter of the late Robert and Catherine Corl, she was raised in the Austin neighborhood on the city’s west side.

Cathy lived a full life defined by courage, compassion, and an enduring devotion to her family, community, and the protection of others. A dedicated student and natural caregiver, Cathy earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her education launched a distinguished and extensive career with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Cathy was a uniquely gifted child welfare social worker where her dedication literally saved the lives of many children. Recognized for her profound skill at DCFS, she also served as a trusted trainer, preparing and guiding new social workers as they entered this difficult and critical field. Throughout her career and personal life, Cathy was devoted to helping other people. Her calm and thoughtful insights were invaluable to everyone who sought her guidance. She was renowned as a positive, patient, kind, and profoundly knowledgeable mentor whose grace and love left a deep and permanent mark on the hearts of so many.

Cathy was a woman of diverse talents and passions, with a lifelong curiosity. Empowering others was central to her life, and she was a notably positive force for women’s rights. She was a founding member of Chimera, Inc., Self-Defense for Women, and also earned her black belt in karate. She found physical, mental, and spiritual balance through her dedicated practice of Svaroopa yoga. Cathy was also a proud, lifelong member of the Girl Scouts. In her later years, she combined her love of mentoring, and the outdoors by volunteering to teach wilderness survival skills to young Girl Scouts. Because Cathy lived a life deeply rooted in the belief that the world can be changed for the better, she was a passionate advocate for social justice, a dedicated volunteer on numerous political campaigns, and always stood ready to fight for the causes and candidates she believed in.

Music, community, camping, hiking and a deep devotion to animals brought immense joy to Cathy's life. She was an avid lover of bluegrass and folk music, and loved attending the UC Folk Festival every February with her folkie friends. She found a fulfilled spiritual home as an active member of the Unity Church. Driven by her boundless compassion, Cathy also spent time volunteering with Friends of Strays. She was recognized by all as an incredibly caring and hard-working advocate, pouring her whole heart into the welfare of every animal she met. She especially derived great pleasure from her many dog companions throughout the years, including Sandy, Matt, Cat, Junior, Penny, and Eddie, and was very active in her later years in agility training with them.

If you asked Cathy what one of the greatest pleasures in her life was, she would answer without hesitation: chocolate ice cream. One of Cathy’s special traits was her sense of humor and quick droll wit. Family was the ultimate centerpiece of Cathy's life. Her gentle spirit, steady support, and unconditional love created a bond that will be deeply missed, but forever cherished.

Cathy was preceded in death by her beloved life partner, Dale Burdick, and her nephew, Jason Corl. She is survived by her loving siblings: her sister, Roberta Dravillas; her brother, Jim Corl and his wife, Minda; and her brother, Tom Corl and his wife, Zaima. She was a proud, fun, and treasured aunt to her niece, Diane St John, and nephews, Robert Dravillas, Robert Corl, Patrick Corl, Jason Corl, and Christopher Corl. Her memory will also be kept alive by a close circle of cousins, extended family, former colleagues, fellow volunteers, and lifelong friends.

A celebration of Cathy's life will be planned for later this year.