SR0748 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0748 LRB101 15037 MST 64096 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Geraldine M. "Jerre" McPartlin, who passed away on October 16, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Jerre McPartlin was born on July 29, 1928 and was raised on the west side of the City of Chicago, attending Resurrection Grammar School, Siena High School, and Rosary College; and

WHEREAS, Jerre McPartlin began her career in the labor movement in 1976 as a business representative for the School Lunchroom Employees Local 129 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (H.E.R.E.); and

WHEREAS, Jerre McPartlin quickly rose through the ranks to become Vice-President of Local 1, serving thousands of unionized workers in the hospitality and food service industries; recognized for her abilities, she was appointed a member of the Chicago Federation of Labor's Executive Board in 1981 and became the first woman in history elected to the Chicago Federation of Labor as First-Vice President in 1985; and

WHEREAS, Jerre McPartlin was a tireless community leader and devoted her time and efforts unselfishly to many worthwhile causes for the past several decades, including Misericordia, the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Mercy Hospital, Amvets Post #13, the Jesuit Partnership Foundation, Concern Worldwide USA, the Irish American Labor Council, and the downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and Queen's Contest, where she served as chief judge for over three decades; and

WHEREAS, Jerre McPartlin was the beloved wife of the late State Rep. Robert F. McPartlin; the loving mother of Robert G. (Sally), Susan J., Marilyn T. (Alan) Van Wetering, Nancy A. (the late Lawrence T.) O'Brien, Frank L. (Nancy), William B., Elizabeth A. (Patrick J.) O'Brien, Michael J. (Kelly), Brian J. (Amy), and the late Francis, Dorothy, and Gerald McPartlin; proud grandmother of 24; great-grandmother of 29; and great-great-grandmother of one; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Geraldine M. "Jerre" McPartlin 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 Jerre McPartlin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.