Gerda Johanna Schell

Gerda J. Shell (MA. The University of Chicago; PHD. Columbia Pacific University; Licensed Clinical Social Worker), 89 years old, passed away on April 10th, 2023 in Chicago. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to her late parents Michael and Katherine Schell. She was also preceded in death by her brothers and their wives, Adolf and Elsie Schell and Ernst and Norma Schell; and her nephew, William Schell. She is survived by her nephews Donald (Cindy) Schell and Paul Schell and her nieces Gerda Schell and Katherine Schell. She is further survived by 3 great nephews: Jonathan, (Amanda), Stuart and Ryan; a great niece Katryna Precourt and her husband Dale; and five great great nieces and nephews (Abigail, Julia, Jordan, Colton and Owen).

Gerda’s life was a life of service. She began her remarkable multi-faceted sixty-eight year career in the Chicago area. As therapist, Gerda worked with individuals and families in private practice and a variety of institutional affiliations. She also served in a broad range of administrative appointments at state and private hospitals for children and adolescents. As consultant to fellow professionals and agencies and through her volunteer work with agencies empowering the most vulnerable populations, Gerda’s contribution to the field speaks to her humanity and commitment to the welfare of others.

As child specialist, she has also held appointments to the Office of the Governor of Illinois and the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She was also founding board member of the National Registry of Health Care Providers and has served on various National Association of Social Worker projects. Gerda continued to provide clinical and administrative consultation to multiple community social service agencies since her resignation from the public sector in 1993. In 2017 she was awarded a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement award by the Illinois chapter of the NASW.

There will be a celebration of Gerda’s life on June 4th at La Villa Restaurant at 3638 N. Pulaski in Chicago from noon to 4:00. Lunch will be served at 1:00 followed by an opportunity for all to share their fondest memories of Gerda. Burial will be in Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers any remembrances can be sent to the Helen Mann Fund, U of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T-6B6 and/or Wheat Ridge Ministries, One Pierce Place, Suite 250E, Itasca, IL. 60143-2616.