Illinois
Hannah Mansell, 26
Died January 17, 2021.
Mattoon Middle School, Mattoon, IL
Interpreter
Hannah Nicole Mansell, 26, of Mattoon and formerly of Jacksonville died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
She was born Sept. 29, 1994, in Springfield, the daughter of Ken and Kathy Borgman Mansell.
She is survived by her parents of South Jacksonville; her paternal grandmother, Rosealie Mansell of Bourbonnais; maternal grandparents, Andrew and Marguerite Borgman of Springfield; her sister, Rachel Mansell of Jacksonville; and her boyfriend, Steve Cole of Mattoon. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Richard Thomas Mansell Sr.
Hannah was a 2013 graduate of Jacksonville High School and then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language interpreting from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. As a student, she was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega as well as many other groups and organizations. She then began working for Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education (EIASE) in the Mattoon School District. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville. Hannah’s infectious laugh and bright smile lit up every room into which she walked. She brought joy to everything she did and wouldn’t let anyone be in a bad mood. She also dearly loved her cat, Goose.
Because of the pandemic, a private family service will be held with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville. A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date. A memorial fund is being set up to honor Hannah’s giving nature. Tax-deductible donations to support acts of kindness toward deaf and hard-of-hearing students in need may be made to EIASE. Please write #kindnessforhannah or Hannah Mansell in the memo line. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.
Donnie Kirksey, 57
Died December 28, 2020.
Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Chicago, IL
Dean of Students, Basketball Coach
Donnie Kirksey was a lifelong Chicagoan who helped thousands of basketball players during his career as a coach. Kirksey, 57, died from complications of the COVID-19 virus, the morning of December 28. He was the head boys’ basketball coach at Chicago Vocational Career Academy at the time of his death.
Kirksey served as an assistant coach at DePaul, Chicago State University and University of Illinois-Chicago during his career.
“The UIC Athletic Department and men’s basketball program is saddened to learn about the passing of former men’s basketball assistant coach Donnie Kirksey,” began a statement from UIC Sports Information Director Dan Wallace. “A legendary figure in the Chicago basketball community, Donnie was a beloved member of the Flames Family during his years at UIC from 2010-14. Donnie played a vital role in the Flames reaching the postseason for the first time in nine years in 2013. On behalf of the entire UIC community, our thoughts and condolences go out to Donnie’s friends and family.”
Known as a jovial and fun guy off the court and a stern tactician while on the bench, Kirksey was revered by all in the community. He was often seen at his favorite restaurants on the South Side speaking to all those who knew him. A charismatic guy, Kirksey was the kind of person who made others feel good.
“Donnie brought smiles to the faces of people wherever he went,” said retired basketball coach Rick Harrigan. “He was just a fun guy who really loved and knew basketball.”
The year 2020 has been especially hard on the basketball coaching community in Chicago.
Kirksey’s death comes just two weeks after former UIC Head Coach Jimmy Collins passed away. Earlier this year, former legendary King High School Coach Sonny Cox passed away. This spring, Steve Hudson, who was a large figure on the travel basketball scene and who along with his wife helped hundreds of basketball players achieve college scholarships, passed away from COVID-19.
He played his high school ball at Chicago Vocational. He was excited when presented the opportunity to return to the school. Kirksey was known as a coach who could see any player, see his potential and make him better, said those who knew him.
Coach Kirksey also served as the head basketball coach and athletic director at Hyde Park Academy from 2007-10. He spent three and half years (2001-04) in Los Angeles where he worked for SFX Basketball Group, LLC. While there, he worked with several high-profile professional basketball clients, helping athletes transition into professional life.
Kirksey graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration – Management in 1985. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He and his wife lived in the Pill Hill community.
Olga Quiroga, 58
Died October 1, 2020.
Funston Elementary School, Chicago, IL
First Grade
Olga L. Quiroga, born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, longtime resident of Chicago, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2020. Loving wife of Juan G. Quiroga; Beloved mother of Gladys Quiroga Watts (Brian P. Watts), Giovanna Quiroga, and Genesis Quiroga; Cherished Güelita of Ciara, Layla, Liliana, and Jaylen.
Michael Padron, 38
Died November 19, 2020.
Summit Academy, Machesney Park, IL
Language Arts
Gentle, selfless, kind, humble, empathetic, unique, lover of music.
Michael Angelo Padron, 38, of Rockford, Ill., was welcomed into Heaven from his home on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Born April 19, 1982, in Rockford, the son of Angelo and Beverly (Giorgi) Padron. He married his true love, Nikki Mioni and they recently celebrated their 5th anniversary in love. Mike had a gentle soul but was a fierce trivia competitor, engaging in competition every Wednesday night. He was an educator to our most delicate students and held them to their highest standard. He championed their progress. Mike’s joy lived in music – attending Pearl Jam concerts with his brother and dad, buying CDs and introducing his family and friends to his favorite albums. Mike loved his family. Every Christmas he purchased thoughtful and intentionally selected gifts for each member of his family. His nieces embraced his hugs. He indulged in tamales with his dad. Everyone knew his Friday night ritual – come home, gas up the cars and take his laundry to his mom Bev, who will miss their daily phone calls discussing current affairs and sharing stories of his dog Sunny. In July, along with Joey and Lauren Mioni, Katie Mioni and Anthony Walton, Madeline Mioni and Jake Byerly, Nikki and Mike purchased a lake house on Lake Wisconsin that quickly became his “soft place.” We relished witnessing his love for lake life. He had his own stage on the deck where he entertained us with air guitar concerts. Mike embraced the tranquility the lake held, and complemented it with Trulys, Naturdays and Miller Lites.
Mike is lovingly survived and will be missed dearly by his wife, Nicole “Nikki” (Mioni) Padron and faithful canine companion, Sunny; parents, Angelo and Bev (Giorgi) Padron; brother, Marc Padron and wife Mary Misiewicz; nieces, Lucy and Ella Padron. Mike lovingly regarded his family, cousins, in-laws, Joey and JoJo Mioni and their family, and best friends. Preceded in death by grandparents Zeke and Jo Giorgi, Angelo and Juana Padron.
Please, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family for a memorial to be established in Mike’s honor. Those wishing to do so electronically, can send donations via Venmo @MikePadronMemorial.