SR1335 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1335 LRB102 29664 MST 41703 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Caroline Jean (Lyczak) Downs of Oak Park, who passed away on March 15, 2022 at the age of 75; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Downs grew up on her family's farm outside of Woodhull and attended Alwood High School; she earned her bachelor's degree from Lawrence University in Wisconsin and obtained her Master of Social Work from Smith College in Massachusetts; during her college years, she served as an intern at the former Billings Hospital, which was located on the campus of the University of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Downs spent her early working years as a drug and alcohol counselor for employees at U.S. Steel's South Works plant in South Chicago; she later started her own private counseling practice, which lasted for more than 30 years; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Caroline Downs joined the clinical staff of the Cathedral Counseling Center; throughout her career, she seized many opportunities for professional development; she worked until her passing; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Downs advocated for social justice causes and was active in local progressive politics; she campaigned for Rudy Lozano, who became Chicago's first Mexican American alderperson in 1982; she also contributed to Betty Van Wyk's mid-1980s upset victory to become Oak Park's township clerk; through the former race, she also met her future husband, Michael Lyczak; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Downs enjoyed multiple hobbies, including reading, playing and studying piano, solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles, entertaining, and cooking; she was appreciated for her cinnamon rolls and her hearty laugh by friends and family; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Downs was passionate about learning her family history, leading her to travel to Scotland's Isle of Islay on two separate occasions to experience where her ancestors once lived; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Downs was preceded in death by her brothers, Duncan and Thomas Downs; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Downs is survived by her husband, Michael; her son, Michael Benjamin Lyczak; and her sister, Mary Elizabeth Dickerson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Caroline Jean (Lyczak) Downs 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 Caroline Downs as an expression of our deepest sympathy.