SR1254 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1254 LRB101 21602 MST 72532 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Barbara Alexander Mullarkey, who passed away on April 15, 2020 at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey was born on August 1, 1935 in Oak Park to Olive (Kennedy) and Benjamin Alexander; she graduated from Ascension School in 1949, Trinity High School in 1953, and Rosary College (now Dominican University) in 1957; her Trinity and Rosary friendships lasted throughout her lifetime and were highlighted by cherished reunions every summer that spanned over 60 years; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey worked at Commonwealth Edison after college, demonstrating new-era electric appliances at a time when women were just starting the fight for work force equality; a true trailblazer, she had a company car and an expense account; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey met her future husband, John Mullarkey, while at ComEd, and they planted deep roots in Oak Park with their five children on the infamous 200 block of South Elmwood with a colorful group of neighbors who would quickly become and remain a family; with over 100 children living on the block, she became the organizer of iconic block parties that were the highlight of the kids' summers, including water balloon wars and epic block-wide scavenger hunts, as well as "Spooktacular" haunted houses at Halloween; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey was a fixture at Ascension School and St. Luke School, Lincoln Elementary, Roosevelt Middle School, WSSRA, Oak Park-River Forest youth programs, and Oak Park River Forest High School, where she was one of their longest-tenured sports fans; she attended over 1,000 games and traveled over 10,000 miles, supporting her grandkids and their teammates and loving every minute of it; she knew the coaches, refs, umpires and scorekeepers and was never afraid to share her opinions and statistics; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey advocated for the most vulnerable and felt strongly about lending her voice and energy to causes that protected the environment; she was not afraid to express her perspective and concerns with presidents, senators, congressmen, village presidents, trustees, and state senators, including regular, vigorous, and enthusiastic communiques to one Senator Don Harmon; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey championed many nutrition, health, and wellness causes; her crusades involved educating others on ingredients and chemicals in our food, drink, and medicine supply, banning pesticides in parks, raising awareness of the harmful effects of AstroTurf, fighting fracking and smart meters, advocating removal of mercury from vaccines, raising mental health awareness, and promoting alternative medicine ideologies, such as acupuncture, massage, and homeopathy; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey had many passions that included being a founding member and nutrition columnist for the Wednesday Journal, a journalist for Oak Park News, Conscious Choice, and Vegetarian Times, a proud supporter of Maryville Academy, Oak Leyden Developmental Services, and WSSRA, an advocate for prison food reform, a charter member of Handy Hands, a tireless Ascension School volunteer, and an OPRF Huskie Booster Club member; she supported IVAC, the Oak Park Environmental Network, and HOPP and was a Nutrivoice editor; she was the author of Bittersweet Aspartame: A Diet Delusion, and a children's book agent; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey was true to herself and all those she loved; if she had one wish, she would want everyone to be good to themselves and others, living by the Shakespeare quote "To thine own self be true"; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey adored her family and was treasured by her friends to whom she was a confidant and advisor; she was known for her generous spirit, warmth, kindness, and inquisitive soul, and her true legacy is her 11 grandchildren whom she considered her proudest accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey was preceded in death by John T. Mullarkey, and her sisters, Elizabeth Alexander, Lorraine (Bob) Carpenter, Mary Clare, and Regina Alexander; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Mullarkey is survived by her devoted children, John Patrick, Ellen (Scott) Nelson, Daniel (Lauren Sherman), Karen (Marty) Kerrins, and Ann (Daniel) Ganschow; her grandchildren, Kiley, Allie, Maeve, Grace, Johnny, Riley, Keegan, Regan, Patrick, Connor, and Declan; her many nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends; 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 Barbara Alexander Mullarkey 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 Mullarkey as an expression of our deepest sympathy.