SR1103 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1103 LRB100 15307 MST 30806 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Barbara Furlong of Oak Park, who passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 28, 1931; she attended Notre Dame College in Euclid, Ohio and was certified in medical technology at University Hospital in Cleveland; and

WHEREAS, After moving to Oak Park, Barbara Furlong became deeply involved in her community, including decades of involvement in organizations and commissions such as the Community Relations Commission, the Oak Park Housing Center, the Parents' Human Relations Commission at Oak Park and River Forest High School, the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus, and the Village Manager Association; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong served as a village trustee from 1989 to 1993, where she earned a reputation as an effective and much appreciated leader; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong was tapped to run for and won the race for Oak Park Village President, due in large part, she felt, to her longtime involvement in the community; she held the office from 1997 to 2001; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong's tenure as village president was defined by tackling issues such as racial integration, gay couple registration, and affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong noted that economic development was a top priority during her time in office and became a champion of purposeful economic growth; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong was described as having quiet perseverance, grace, and focus; she was known to be always steady and strong, which made her an effective leader; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong, after retiring from her career as a medical technologist in 1992, became a dedicated volunteer with the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust and earned a 25-year service pin for her volunteer work with the League of Women Voters; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William R. "Bill" Furlong; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Furlong was the mother of Mary (Jere) Mendelsohn, Thomas (Ann Williams), Timothy (Gayle), and Matt (Julia) Furlong; grandmother of Nathan and Rachel Mendelsohn, Christopher Furlong, Michael (Carmen), Rebecca (Eric) Duenke, Emily, Sarah, Hannah, Peter and Jonathan Furlong, and Jayne, James, and Jennifer Furlong; great-grandmother of Ian and Evan Duenke; sister-in-law of Jack (Kit) Furlong; and loving aunt to many; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Barbara Furlong, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Barbara Furlong as an expression of our deepest sympathy.