Rowshan Louie

Rowshan “Shani” Louie was born on October 2, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, to Odessa Louie and Elzie Brooks. She was the youngest of three siblings, cherished by her older sister Renee and her brother Keith. From a young age, Rowshan accepted Christ and attended St. Sabina Catholic School, where her brilliance began to shine. Her exceptional intellect became evident when she skipped a grade in elementary school, propelling her from the 6th to the 8th grade. She went on to graduate from McCorkle School in 1978 and attended Aquinas for her early high school years, where she excelled in her studies and participated in the Upward Bound program, taking college courses. She later completed her high school education at South Shore High School, graduating in 1982.

After high school, Rowshan briefly attended Loyola College before embarking on her professional journey. It was during her time in Upward Bound that she met Carey Donald, with whom she had two children, Javonna Donald-Sanders and Christopher Donald. Rowshan built a career in banking, amassing over a decade of experience at Chase and Bank of America. However, later in life, she followed her passion for early childhood education, returning to school to earn her associate degreefrom Harold Washington College in 2014 and her bachelor's degree in behavioral science from East-West University in 2016.

Rowshan, affectionately known as “Ro” or “Shani,” was always the life of the party. Her infectious love for Al Green became a family tradition, passed down through generations. She was not only a devoted mother and grandmother but also a compassionate friend, aunt, cousin, and neighbor. Her door was always open to anyone in need, embodying generosity and kindness. Rowshan’s spirit and laughter brought joy to all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Odessa Louie and Elzie Brooks; her brother, Keith Louie; her favorite aunt Alma; uncles John and Oree Louie; and a special cousin, Barry Louie. Rowshan leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, Javonna (Chris) Donald-Sanders and Christopher Donald; her five grandchildren, Damarey and Jaylen Phillips, Jacarey Sanders, Cairo Donald, and Jamya Crayton; and her great-granddaughter, Naliyah Phillips. She is also survived by her sisters Renee Louie, Janette Buie-Brown, and Deena Johnson, along with her nieces and nephews, NaRee Sallu, Danette Buie, Seyi Sallu, and Enze Buie-Hannibal. Rowshan’s memory will forever be cherished by her extended family, including her aunt Obbie Nephew, and special cousins, Victoria Louie-Jackson, Robin Haywood, Sharone Louie, Elaine Nephew, and Sharon McGhee, as well as her close friends, Donna Thadison, Debbie Brooks, and Denisha Harland, and a host of other family and friends.