Annette R. Appell

Annette R. Appell, known as "Anna" or "Annetty," died peacefully at home in St. Louis on March 17, 2025, with Cheryl by her side. She was 63 years old. She is survived by her spouse and soulmate Cheryl Tadin. They were inseparable for over 38 years. Annette is also survived by her adored mother, Million R. Appell, brother Michael Appell (her partner in all things fun and mischievous), and her special cousin David Appel. She was pre-deceased by her father, Dr. Harold L. Appell (with whom she shared a similar sense of offbeat humor). Annette will be missed by her many friends, her Tadin in-laws, Tadin and Bertucci cousins, her beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Annette was one of the nation’s foremost legal experts on the protection of children and open adoption. An adoptee herself, she was a passionate advocate for open adoption and challenged the traditional norms of child protection as patriarchal and classist. Annette was a prolific scholar, publishing numerous articles regarding children’s and parents’ rights and adoption. She made a massive contribution to the field and always had important things to say - telling stories through her cases and teaching a generation of law students how to be great lawyers.

Annette testified before the Illinois, Nevada, and South Carolina legislatures on adoption and child protection reform, and appeared in the media as a children's rights expert. The protection of children was Annette's life's passion, and the core of her work was centered on facilitating healthy adoptions while maintaining relationships between the adoptee and their biological family. Her contributions to this field on a national scale cannot be understated.

Annette was a proud graduate of New Trier West High School, Cornell University, and Northwestern University School of Law. She was a brilliant thinker, a thoughtful philosopher, and an engaging and provocative writer. Annette was creative, focused and driven: passionate about her clients, her students, and her research.

Annette was a professor at Washington University Law School in St. Louis, serving in a variety of roles including Associate Dean for Clinical Studies as well as a joint appointment at the Brown School. Prior to St. Louis, Annette was one of the founding professors at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, and later she was appointed Associate Dean for Clinical Studies. Annette and Cheryl loved living in Las Vegas and often returned to visit friends and to hike Red Rock Canyon.

Annette was fearless in her advocacy. Her admission to the Illinois bar was delayed, but only slightly, after she got arrested in 1986 for chaining herself to the Playboy Building in Chicago to protest the objectification of women through pornography. Despite this transgression, she was soon determined to have the character and moral fitness to serve as an Illinois attorney, and began her legal career at Sonnenschein Carlin Nath and Rosenthal in Chicago. Following this litigation experience, Annette found her calling and quickly gravitated towards public service and teaching. She joined the Cook County Public Guardian’s office in 1988 where she represented hundreds of children as attorney and guardian ad litem in child protection, termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings. She also served on the teaching staff of the Children and Family Justice Center at Northwestern University before joining the University of South Carolina.

An active lifestyle and healthy food were essential for Annette’s daily routine. She was often seen leaving the house by bicycle with a healthy collection of snacks, often supplied by Cheryl. She was known for her sharp wit and piercing insight and didn’t shrink from pointing out her friends’ foibles, a trait that was often met with shock and then laughter. Annette had a wicked sense of humor, loved a good time, and had an infectious laugh. She was a fiercely loyal and thoughtful friend who never missed a birthday call. She was an out and proud member of the Gay and Lesbian community in Chicago in the mid-80’s to 1990’s and gave inspired dinner parties with Cheryl in their little house on Melrose. High tea brunch, dim sum in Chinatown, and Belmont rocks with first love Jennifer, Cheryl and friends were always filled with laughter and inspiring political discussions. During her many years with Cheryl, they shared several dogs, all of which were quirky and adorable rescue mutts.

Wherever Annette lived, she and Cheryl were always surrounded by many friends from all walks of life, a tribute to her deep curiosity and interest in people.

As a high achiever with a strong constitution, Annette’s battle with early onset Alzheimer’s went on far longer than the prognosis given to her at the beginning of the journey. The affection, generosity, and support from neighbors, friends, and family, both nearby and distant (including those who have passed, especially "Bubs"), provided Annette with immense comfort and gave Cheryl the determination to persevere, always maintaining the goal of safety and love.

Annette was unforgettable and taken far too soon. Her legacy will live on in the field of Adoption and Child Protection, but more importantly, in the hearts of her family and friends.

“In child welfare representation it is really important to see how we could advance children’s voices, and not dismiss their thoughts, time, or their families.” - Annette Appell

The services for Annette will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, 11:00 am at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL 60091. Following the service, there will be a procession to Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60076 for a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, a tribute fund has been established in Annette’s honor. To make a tribute gift: https://www.forestparkforever.org/tribute-donations select ‘in the honor or memory of’ Annette Appell.