SR0508 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0508 LRB104 16109 LAW 29421 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Frances "Fran" Sullivan of Oak Park, who passed away on January 16, 2025 at the age of 89; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan was raised in the Gannon family alongside her siblings, Mary-Alice, Teresa, Bill, and Joan, in Mingo, Iowa, where they enjoyed their small town family life; she graduated from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa in 1958; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan moved to Chicago, where she met Monroe "Moe" Sullivan, who shared her passion for social justice work and political activism; they married and moved to Oak Park in 1964, where they raised four children; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan was an avid political activist who fought for peace, fair housing, women's rights, firearm safety, good government, and democratic politics, among other interests; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan was actively engaged in door-to-door canvassing, served on multiple boards, raised money for nonprofits, frequently attended meetings, and volunteered for numerous organizations working to better the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan served as a challenge delegate during the 1972 Democratic National Convention, where she met feminist icons Gloria Steinem and Bella Abzug, who saluted her for her tireless support of women in politics; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan and Moe ventured to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in 1985, where they would eventually purchase two condos on the ocean, escaping from the harsh Chicago winters to the balmy shores, where they were also surrounded by friends and family; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan's activism helped create the Amate House and Peace Museum in Chicago; she also served on the Triton Community College Board for six years, and she was active with Oak Park Citizens for Handgun Control; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan served on the board of Family Services and Mental Health of Oak Park and River Forest (OPRF), known today as Thrive, and she was a member of the League of Women Voters for 50 years and active with the Democratic Party of Oak Park; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan supported a number of local non-profit organizations, including Growing Community Media, Beyond Hunger, Housing Forward, Sarah's Inn, and the Oak Park Art League; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan provided meaningful support to the parish of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Catholic Church, where she served as a student mentor at the school; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan was quite involved in her community and was known for her warm personality and ability to connect with people, modeling her deep commitment to social justice and philanthropy for new generations of Oak Park residents; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan was a talented and competitive online Scrabble player as well as the oldest of the early morning swimmers at Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex; and

WHEREAS, Fran Sullivan was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary-Alice, Teresa, and Bill; and

WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, Fran Sullivan was survived by her children, K.T. (Chris Bing) Sullivan, John (Vicki Scaman) Sullivan, Monroe (Melissa) Sullivan, and Patrick (the late Dawn) Sullivan; her grandchildren, Casey, Leah, Gillian, Patty, Phoebe, Maggie, Mikey, and Leo; her great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Siena, and Claire; her sister, Joan Gannon; and her many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Frances "Fran" Sullivan 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 Fran Sullivan as an expression of our deepest sympathy.