SR1226 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1226 LRB103 42669 LAW 75902 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lauren M. Engelke-Smith of Springfield, who passed away on September 16, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith, the daughter of Thomas W. and Evelyn (Wilson) Engelke, was born on June 8, 1978; she graduated from Queen Anne's Country High School in Maryland in 1996; she earned her bachelor's degree from Wesley College in Delaware and later her master's degree from the University of Illinois Springfield; she married James Aaron Smith in Worton, Maryland on May 24, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith served as a special education teacher for both Springfield Public Schools District 186 and Ball-Chatham Community Unit School District 5, among others, for almost two decades, as well as an assistant Pre-K principal at Beardstown; she was noted for creating a nurturing environment in her classroom, where each child felt valued and understood; she celebrated every small victory with enthusiasm and encouragement and fostered every student's confidence, both academically and socially; she also served as an advocate for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for her students and supported parents through the process; and

WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith was a collaborator on the book, Embracing the Impact of Cancer: Inspirational Stories of Hope; and

WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith enjoyed writing, kayaking, and sitting outside in the sun; she also held a passion for haunted houses and paranormal activities, and she was active with her church; and

WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith was known for her warm smile, her open heart, and her sense of humor; she will be remembered as an extraordinary educator whose commitment to her students left a lasting impact on countless lives; and

WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith was preceded in death by her father; her paternal grandparents, Harry and Marion Engelke; her maternal grandparents, George and Bernice Wilson; and her grandfathers-in-law, James Oliver Smith and Clarence Drew; and

WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith is survived by her mother; her husband, Aaron; her sons, Gabriel and Xavier Smith; her daughter, Ebby Smith; her siblings, Charlene Schimmel and Tony Engelke; her in-laws, Sandra and Rickey Kluck; her grandmothers-in-law, Frances Drew and Nina Smith; her dogs, Skylar and Molly; her cats, Church, Ripley, Freya, and Marcy; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 Lauren M. Engelke-Smith 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 Lauren Engelke-Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.