Retired McGaw YMCA Director of Girls and Women Zenol Moore. Photo credit: Eddy Funeral Homes.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Zenol Moore, a beloved member of the YMCA family. Zenol served as McGaw YMCA’s Director of Girls and Women for three decades, retiring in 1985 after a remarkable career that spanned over 40 years of dedication to youth development and strengthening community.

Zenol joined McGaw YMCA in 1955 after nine impactful years at the Joliet YMCA, where she expanded programs for women and girls. At McGaw Y, her leadership helped develop and grow programming for girls, creating opportunities like the first Girls’ Lobby Ping-Pong Tournament in 1975 and increasing access for girls to attend Camp Echo. Zenol’s influence extended far beyond her role, becoming a guiding force and trusted mentor for countless young people.

To Zenol’s family, friends, and all who knew her, we offer our heartfelt condolences. We are grateful for the opportunity to have shared in her extraordinary Y journey. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the hearts she inspired. May she rest in peace, her light forever shining within the McGaw YMCA community and beyond.

A Chicago-area memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11. For details, please visit the following link: https://www.eddyfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Zenol-Moore.

With gratitude and remembrance,

Monique Parsons

President/CEO

McGaw YMCA