Maureen Katherine Starshak

Maureen K. Starshak (nee Sullivan) passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2026, leaving a legacy of generosity, kindness, and love. Born in Highland Park, Michigan, on August 15, 1946, to Lowell and Katherine Sullivan, Maureen grew up in Redford, Michigan, with her beloved sister, Ann Margaret.

Education was a lifelong passion for Maureen. After graduating from St. Agatha High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Dayton and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toledo. She then moved to Illinois, where she began a career teaching political science at the College of Lake County that spanned more than 30 years.

It was at CLC where Maureen met Ed Starshak, a fellow professor in the social science division. They married in 1973 and shared their lives until Ed’s passing in 2015. Together, they made their home in Waukegan, Illinois, where they raised their daughter, Kate, and son, Chris, instilling in them the importance of education, hard work, and love of family. A devoted and loving mom, Maureen attended every school event, orchestra concert and sporting event, encouraged her children’s interests, and took great pride in their accomplishments.

As a political science professor, Maureen remained interested in politics her entire life. Election Day was her “Super Bowl,” and she would track election results while teaching Kate and Chris about the Electoral College with coloring maps. She also registered both children to vote on their 18th birthdays and impressed upon them the importance of voting. There would be no better way to honor Maureen than to vote, as she did by mail a few weeks ago.

Outside of her career, Maureen loved her Pilates classes, book club, gardening, needlepoint, and attending Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts. Though originally from Michigan, she embraced Chicago sports teams, with a particular love for the 1990s Bulls and 2010s Blackhawks, as well as the Cubs, Bears, and DePaul Blue Demons. Maureen also loved traveling and exploring new countries, with trips to Italy, Cuba, and Ireland among the highlights. She was known to all as a phenomenal cook and baker. Her spreads of appetizers, Italian beef sandwiches, and numerous desserts for the annual Waukegan Independence Day parade were favorites among family and friends.

Maureen’s favorite role in retirement was that of “Grandma” to C.J., Claire, and Kyle. She treasured her days with her grandchildren - taking them to the library for reading time, teaching them to bake and make crafts, celebrating holidays, and cheering them on at their sporting events. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

In the last few years, Maureen faced various medical challenges that prevented her from participating in many of her favorite activities. She continued to find joy in watching the Cubs, keeping up with political news, hearing stories of her grandchildren’s sports successes, and her weekly visits from her grand dog Wrigley. Despite her health challenges, Maureen remained strong and independent, determined to make the best of a difficult situation. Her family expresses their deep gratitude to Maureen’s caregivers, whose dedication and care allowed Maureen to remain in her home through the end of her life, bringing her great comfort. For this, her family will be eternally grateful.

Maureen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ed; and her brother in law and sister in law, Marty and Sue Starshak. She is survived by her daughter, Kate (Eric Martin); son, Chris (Kara Jakusz); grandchildren, C.J., Claire and Kyle; sister Ann Margaret (Robert) Roemer; nieces Megean Roemer and Barb Starshak; nephews John (Peggy) and Jerome Starshak; and many dear cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held at Marsh Funeral Home in Gurnee on Friday, November 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Maureen’s life will take place at Marsh Funeral Home on Saturday, November 14, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan or Misericordia, two organizations important to Maureen.