Remembering Susan Lock: A Visionary Who Transformed Chicago Volunteering

The city of Chicago recently bid a fond farewell to a true pillar of its community, Susan Lock, who passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 79. For many, her name is inextricably linked with Chicago Cares, the pioneering non-profit she co-founded – an organization that quite literally revolutionized how ordinary people could make an extraordinary difference in their city.

Born Susan Seamans on July 27, 1944, her early life was anything but ordinary. As the daughter of a U.S. diplomat, she spent her formative years crisscrossing the globe, living in fascinating places like Italy and Brazil. This rich, international upbringing, I imagine, must have instilled in her a unique perspective on community and global citizenship, certainly fostering an understanding of diverse needs and cultures. She went on to pursue her education at Bryn Mawr College and the London School of Economics, and initially, her career path led her into the world of journalism, even gracing the pages of the Chicago Tribune for a time, before transitioning into publishing.

But it was in 1991 that Susan, alongside Lesley Ames and a few other like-minded individuals, really found her calling. They identified a significant gap: many busy professionals wanted to volunteer, truly, but found the process daunting, time-consuming, and often inaccessible. You see, coordinating schedules and finding meaningful opportunities could be a real headache back then. Susan's vision was beautifully simple yet profoundly impactful: create a streamlined, flexible platform that would connect eager volunteers with non-profits in desperate need of help. It was about lowering the barriers, making it easy to just show up and contribute.

And what an impact it made! Under her astute leadership, first as executive director and then as CEO, Chicago Cares blossomed. It wasn't just another charity; it became a movement. Thousands upon thousands of volunteers were mobilized, tackling everything from improving schools and revitalizing parks to aiding the homeless and supporting environmental initiatives. The organization forged partnerships with hundreds of non-profits across the city, truly becoming a vibrant hub for civic engagement. Honestly, it's hard to overstate the ripple effect of her work – she built bridges between people and causes, making Chicago a more compassionate, connected place.

Susan herself was, by all accounts, a remarkable leader. She possessed an elegant demeanor, yes, but beneath that calm exterior lay an unwavering determination and a deep, genuine compassion. She was a visionary, no doubt, but also a pragmatic doer, always focused on getting things done effectively. Even after stepping down as CEO in 2008, her commitment to giving back never wavered. She continued her philanthropic endeavors, lending her wisdom and energy to various boards, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Women's Board, among others.

Beyond her immense public contributions, Susan was a beloved wife to Elliott, a devoted mother to her daughters, Katie and Eliza, and a cherished grandmother. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, too – a good book, perhaps, or a captivating art exhibition, and certainly the adventures of travel. Those who knew her often spoke of her quiet strength, her intellectual curiosity, and her capacity for warmth.

Susan Lock truly leaves behind an incredible legacy, one woven into the very fabric of Chicago's volunteer spirit. She didn't just create an organization; she cultivated a culture of active citizenship, demonstrating how collective small acts can lead to monumental change. Her work continues to inspire, a testament to a life lived with purpose, passion, and an unshakeable belief in the power of community. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit, undoubtedly, will live on in every volunteer who lends a hand, every community project brought to life, and every heart touched by Chicago Cares.