SR0755 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0755 LRB104 21684 LAW 37252 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Karen (Maloney) Ward, Ed.D. of Joliet, who passed away on March 29, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Karen Ward, the daughter of John and Carol Maloney, was born in 1967; she graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1985; she earned her Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education from the University of St. Francis; and

WHEREAS, Karen Ward dedicated her career to helping others through her work at Guardian Angel Community Services in Joliet, where she served the community with compassion, strength, and unwavering magnanimity; more than a profession, her work was her mission to bring hope, support, and dignity to those in need; through her leadership and generous spirit, she touched countless lives; and

WHEREAS, Karen Ward became a passionate advocate for cancer awareness in memory of her father, John Maloney, and through her own cancer journey; since 2004, she participated in the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life and as a Survivors' Dinner volunteer; she organized a holiday dinner donation drive for Joliet Police Department officers through Fit Foundation in Crest Hill, and she also served as a commissioner for the Joliet Housing Authority, helping ensure stability for residents in need; and

WHEREAS, Karen Ward was committed to her faith, as witnessed by friends at Harmony Community Church; she enjoyed spending time with her family and her friend, Sue, and she had a fondness for snickerdoodle cookies made by her aunt and cousin, Helen and Karla; and

WHEREAS, Karen Ward will be remembered for her resilience, her dedication, and her gentle kindness; and

WHEREAS, Karen Ward was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Daniel; her uncles, C.J. Ericksen, Pete Vescovi, Dominic Tortorici, and Robert Tierney; her aunts, Judy Ericksen and Nora Tierney; and her cousin, Sueann Tierney Bates; and

WHEREAS, Karen Ward is survived by her children, Chelsea (Tim) Rusk and John Ward; her siblings, Colleen (Greg) Bernhard, Kathy (the late Michael) Salela, and Steve Maloney; her dear friend, Sue Purkart; her niece and nephews, Alyssa, Nick, Matthew, Nathan, and David; her granddaughters, Emilia and Kennedy; her godmother and aunt, Helen Vescovi; her aunt, Marian (Ray) Peregoy; her uncle, Robert (Lynn) Ericksen; and many cousins, including her dear cousin, Karla Button, and friends; 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 Karen (Maloney) Ward, Ed.D. 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 Karen Ward as an expression of our deepest sympathy.