Literacy education professor Chris Carger died March 22, according to a letter by Laurie Elish-Piper, dean of the College of Education.

A funeral mass will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Hugh Catholic Church, 7939 43rd St. in Lyons, and a memorial celebration will be held 1-4 p.m. April 16 at the Kuratko/Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 Deplanes Ave. in North Riverside.

“Chris was a favorite professor of many students due to her kindness, passion for children’s literature and commitment to making a difference in the world through education,” Elish-Piper said in the letter. “She was a dedicated faculty member who served on many committees and contributed to her program area, department, and the college in meaningful ways. She will be missed greatly.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society and or to the Gift of Hope.