Kerry Leila Kathleen Cochrane

Kerry Leila Kathleen Cochrane (69) of Chicago, passed away peacefully in her home on December 12, 2025.

An accomplished scholar, Kerry held a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, and advanced degrees in information sciences, social work, and psychotherapy. Her professional life as an academic librarian, clinical social worker, and psychotherapist reflected her lifelong commitment to service, learning, and community mental health in Chicago. For decades she served in leadership and faculty roles at Chicagoland universities and counseling centers where her compassion, mentorship, and advocacy left a lasting impact on all those she helped. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Kerry also used her talent and skills to enrich the lives of those around her. She was a gifted artist, expressing her creativity in diverse media such as photography, collage, painting, and metalwork. She also had a passion for genealogy, which she put to work helping others discover and understand their family histories, particularly in the Black and Hispanic communities.  

Kerry was preceded in death by her parents, Chappelle Cochrane and Leila (née Green) Cochrane. She is survived by her sister, Cecile (the late Jerry) Webster, and her brother, Richard J. (Angela) Cochrane; nieces, Shannon Webster and Elisabeth (Stephen) Coetzer; nephew, Richard C. (Deborah) Cochrane; and a great niece and great nephews.

Kerry is also lovingly remembered by her life partner Claire Cass, countless friends, colleagues, and clients for her intelligence, wit, empathy, and indomitable spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) would be appreciated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kerry Leila Kathleen Cochrane, please visit our floral store.