SR0417 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0417 LRB094 14116 HSS 49015 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with deep regret of the death of Mary Janette Holmes of Springfield on Sunday, September 11, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Holmes was born on January 5, 1930, in Springfield to Carl and Geraldine McGillick Kraus; she married Charles R. Gillespie, and he preceded her in death in 1958; she married Albert J. Holmes in September of 1961 in Petersburg; and

WHEREAS, She attended Sacred Heart Grade School and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy; she retired in 1990 from the State of Illinois House of Representatives, where she had been employed since 1970 as Chief Journal Clerk; she went on to spend nearly a decade in the service of this Body, retiring as the attendant of the Democratic Phone Room in 2003; and

WHEREAS, During her tenure in the State House, she saw many lawmakers come and go and was an ever-present contributor to the democratic process; she was well-known by coworkers, legislators, lobbyists, reporters, and family and friends alike for her devotion, her sense of style, leadership, and compassion in the face of the long, grueling hours of Session; and

WHEREAS, She was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, where she volunteered in many areas throughout her life; she was a member of St. Joseph Home Coterie (Gene Kraus Circle), St. Louise de Marillac, St. Aloysius Catholic Women, St. Aloysius Altar and Rosary Society, and Sacred Heart Academy Alumni; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Mary Janette Holmes has been deeply felt by many, especially her husband, Albert J. Holmes; her sons, Rick Gillespie, Gary (wife, Jane) Gillespie, Tom Gillespie, and Michael (wife, Ann) Holmes; her daughters, Janette (husband, Gene) Drendel and Lynn (husband, David) Chapman; her eleven grandchildren; her sisters, Freda Burg and Kathy (husband, Steve) Williams; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; she was preceded in death by her first husband, her parents, and her brother, Carl Kraus; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mary Janette Holmes, and we 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 her family as an expression of our deepest sympathy and in memory of the continuing example of selfless service that was her life.