SR0654 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0654 LRB101 14197 ALS 63068 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Janet L. (Leff) Bernstein of Highland Park, who passed away on August 10, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Janet Bernstein moved to Highland Park in 1964 with her husband, Bob; she volunteered in her children's schools, where she brought the curriculum to life; when students studied China in their social studies unit, she cooked a Chinese feast with all of the delicacies of the Mandarin region; affectionately known as Mrs. B, she sewed costumes for school plays and taught students to quilt; as her children grew, she donated her time to Highland Park High School, where she helped to raise money for the Highland Park School Giants Club, formerly known as the Dad's Club, and supported her husband's presidency of the organization; she was a confidant, advisor and role model to many children in the community; and

WHEREAS, Janet Bernstein devoted much of her adult life to the advancement of charitable, community, and civic activities in Highland Park; she was a founding member of the Park District Senior Advising Committee and assisted with the establishment of the Stupey Log Cabin Museum and the Park District's Community Gardens; an active member of the Highland Park Senior Center, she advocated for senior services and programming; she was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and served on the District 113 caucus for many years; she served as a lead organizer of the Martin Luther King Day of Service, which grew from 150 to 1600 participants under her leadership; she served as Chairwoman of the City's Human Relations Commission; and

WHEREAS, Janet Bernstein received the 2019 City of Highland Park Humanitarian Award for her service to the Highland Park community and her selfless efforts and sustained giving, which made a significant contribution to changing lives in the community; her passion for service influenced many others to donate their time and energy to help make Highland Park a better place to live; she led by example and demonstrated the highest moral and ethical conduct; and

WHEREAS, Janet Bernstein was the beloved wife of the late Robert A. Bernstein and the late Marvin S. Levinson, the loving mother of Michael (Rebecca Miller) Bernstein, Cookie (Joel) Walner, Cal (Julie) Bernstein, Ron (Susan) Bernstein, Joni (Bruce) Friedman, and Sherri (Mitch) Padnos, the adored grandmother of Lauren, Mark, Marni (Chris), Amanda (Ryan), Joey, Molly, Jason, Nikki, David, Danny, Benji, Abby, Katie, and the late Kenny, the cherished great-grandmother of Jemma, Ian, Isaac, and Lincoln, the dear sister of Muriel (the late Sidney) Fohrman and Jewel (Sheldon) Schaps, and the treasured aunt, friend,and second mom to many; 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 Janet L. (Leff) Bernstein 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 Janet Bernstein as an expression of our deepest sympathy.