SR2246 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2246 LRB100 23967 ALS 43045 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ruth M. (Mortenson) Kennedy of Joliet, who passed away on October 11, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Kennedy was born in Barnesville, Minnesota to Martin and Erlyce (Nelson) Mortenson in 1936; she earned her degree from North Dakota State University; shortly after graduation, she met her future husband, Daniel Lennon Kennedy; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Kennedy was a pioneer in politics and a lifelong environmental and animal activist; she was elected to the Will County Board, where she served from 1974 until 1996; while a member of the Forest Preserve Board, she spearheaded the acquisition and expansion of forest preserve land throughout the county; she was also one of the founding members of the Will County Humane Society, the original no-kill facility in the county; her garage served to house the first kennels until property was purchased in Shorewood, where the Humane Society still operates today; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Kennedy was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel; her parents; and her siblings, Renee Edenstrom, Bud Mortenson, Anne Daly, Edna Christenson, and Harriett Gooddahl; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Kennedy is survived by her children, Daniel (fiance Gigi Studer) Kennedy, Hayes (Gloria) Kennedy, and Thomas (Laina) Kennedy; her grandchildren, Erin, Madeline, Neera, Ahsha, Kieran, and Cash Kennedy; and her many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ruth M. (Mortenson) Kennedy 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 Ruth Kennedy as an expression of our deepest sympathy.