Adele Bach
Adele M. Bach passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025 – one day before the anniversary of her mother Rosina’s passing.
Born in Lafayette, LA on November 3, 1946, Adele and her parents moved to Chicago when she was 12 years old. She met her lifelong friends at Notre Dame High School where she graduated in 1964. She attended Loyola University in Chicago and graduated in 1970 with her Bachelor of Arts in English. She received her Master’s Degree from Northeastern Illinois University in 1977.
Adele was 20 years old when she married Henry (Hank) Bach. A friend of Hank’s had bet him a quarter to approach the “girl at the bank” and buy her a coffee. Adele and Hank discovered their shared interest in education, especially in supporting the development of youth by helping them become productive citizens and realize their dreams. Adele pursued this shared interest by becoming a teacher with her first job at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Chicago. She was also a sounding board and source of support to Hank while he pursued his journey of co-founding BUILD: a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide at-risk youth with alternatives to gang involvement. Adele continued to pursue her teaching career for over 25 years at Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge, IL. Given Adele’s interest in social justice, her mentor teacher encouraged her to enroll in the critical pedagogy program offered at St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN where she graduated with her Doctor of Education in 2005.
After the passing of her beloved Hank in 2001, and her subsequent retirement from teaching at the middle school, she focused her efforts on social justice reform by working through organizations within the Catholic church. Adele served as a volunteer and organizer for Queens Social Justice Ministry and Workers for Racial and Ethnic Solidarity (WRES). WRES included six parishes dedicated to racial and ethnic solidarity. Adele also served as a member of the executive committee for Domestic Violence Outreach (DVO). She was on the Board of Directors when DVO became an independent, nonprofit organization in April 2024.
Following Hank’s passing, in an effort to support her healing and spark joy, Adele’s high school friend suggested that she pursue dance lessons. Within a few years, under the tutelage of her inspiring and exacting dance instructor, Adele had fully embraced the pageantry, drama, and athleticism of ballroom dance competition. Never having danced before, Adele fully took to this sport that capitalized on her inner and outer beauty, and competitive spirit. She thrived in her dance community where she developed close friendships and enjoyed a shared camaraderie with them. Adele’s three devoted children, her loving family, friends who became like family, and former and current colleagues will all deeply miss Adele’s warmth, humor, and counsel. Adele was a beacon of kindness, compassion, and strength. She is deeply loved by those whom have had the privilege of knowing her.
Beloved wife of the late Henry (Hank); adored mother of Martin (Marty), Leslie, and Megan; whimsical mother-in-law to Daniel (Danny) and Bret; cherished grandmother of Morgan, Henry, Jansen, and Lincoln; loving daughter of the late Pierre and Rosina; and dear friend to many. Visitation Friday, July 25, 2025, from 3-8 pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL. Closing prayers Saturday, July 26 at 9:30 am at the funeral home with a procession to Mass at 10 am at Queen of All Saints Basilica. Please meet inside the gates of Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery at 12 pm for graveside services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Domestic Violence Outreach (DVO) at 1914 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60608, or online at www.domesticviolenceoutreach.org. For info, 773-736-3833.