SR1098 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1098 LRB103 41194 MST 74411 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mary Lynn Kelly, who passed away on May 26, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kelly was born on March 1, 1936 to Margaret Kelly, who was recently widowed after the death of her husband Leonard Kelly; she attended St. Agnes Grade School, Sacred Heart Academy, Springfield College in Illinois, Lincoln Land Community College, and the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kelly was a trailblazer for Marine Bank; she suggested they step into a leadership role and help Springfield women by educating them about credit, money management, and estate and retirement planning before it was required by the federal government; as a certified meeting professional for the bank, she regularly organized and hosted customer conferences at a variety of sites, including the Dallas Cowboys' stadium, Alcatraz, the U.S.S. Springfield, Colonial Williamsburg, and many more; one of her favorite accomplishments was the Student of the Year program, which continues to this day; she retired as vice president for marketing and corporate relations at Marine Bank/Bank One, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kelly worked with the United Way, the Springfield Area Arts Council, Catholic Charities, the Sangamon County Red Cross, the Springfield Historical Sites Commission, St. John's Breadline, and other organizations for the betterment of her community; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kelly had a big heart; she served as a Girl Scout leader and taught 4th grade religion classes at Christ the King School; she also taught adult swim classes as a Red Cross water safety instructor and particularly enjoyed teaching disabled children to swim; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kelly's happy place was at the beaches in Naples, Florida or at Island Bay Yacht Club, where she maintained an Admiral Membership; she also spent many years wintering in Goodland, Florida, spending time with family and friends, boating and watching sunsets; at Christmas time, if you were lucky enough to be on the receiving end, you enjoyed her famous "award winning" peanut brittle as a welcomed gift; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kelly was preceded in death by her parents; her infant sister, Marjorie; and her siblings, Tom and Don Kelly and Janet Ray Dodsworth; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kelly is survived by her children, Jon (Melanie) Greeley, Lizabeth Cuenya, Laurie (Mark) Diefenthaler, Kelly Greeley (Neville Patkus), and Susan Bartholf; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her beloved dog, Mickie; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mary Lynn Kelly 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 Mary Kelly as an expression of our deepest sympathy.