HR0147 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0147 LRB104 12349 LAW 22534 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Patricia A. "Pat" Mullins Kenny, who passed away on August 31, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Pat Kenny, the daughter of Dr. Patrick Mullins and Mary (Mae) Cagney, was born in Bawtry, England on May 25, 1940; she and her family eventually emigrated to the United States, settling in the Washington Heights area of New York City; she married John Kenny at St. Elizabeth's Church on September 1, 1962, and they eventually settled in Peoria, where they raised their children; after John's passing in 2004, she moved to Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Pat Kenny held a multifaceted career; she began the monthly newspaper West Bluff Word in her dining room; she was a devoted Democrat and worked in local Democratic politics; she managed the U.S. Census office in 1980; she had a very successful career in real estate, which she often operated like a charity by giving back her commission to the buyer or seller, claiming they needed it more than she did; and

WHEREAS, Pat Kenny was involved in historic preservation, a book club, the garden walk, and numerous other activities; and

WHEREAS, Pat Kenny preferred wearing her signature purple from head to toe; she loved decorating and entertaining, and she often hosted large parties, including her famous Oscar parties; she also opened her home to anyone who needed a roof over their head; and

WHEREAS, Pat Kenny was a lifelong teetotaler and a devout Catholic; she was known for being honest, frank, contrary, extravagant, cosmopolitan, indomitable, resilient, hardheaded, and extraordinarily kind; she will be remembered for providing her progeny with the ability to pursue their goals without caring what anyone thinks, a zest for living, and a well-earned sense of humor; and

WHEREAS, Pat Kenny is survived by her children, Maeve (Seamus) Reilly, Michael (Karla), Deirdre (Dave), Paul (Kella), and Grainne (Mark), and 12 grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Patricia "Pat" Mullins Kenny 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 Pat Kenny as an expression of our deepest sympathy.