SR0514 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0514 LRB099 12183 GRL 34983 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Meghan Cristin O'Brien, who passed away on March 1, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Meghan O'Brien was born on April 19, 1982 in Winfield; her parents were Kenneth and Judith (nee Plautz) O'Brien; and

WHEREAS, Meghan O'Brien graduated from Marengo Community High School in 2000; she subsequently attended McHenry County College for 2 years, where she was a member of the tennis team, and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Communication in 2004; she went on to earn her Masters of Sports Management in 2006 and later a Masters of Education; and

WHEREAS, Meghan O'Brien worked for the Southern Illinois Minors baseball team as the box office manager; she also student taught at Southern Illinois University as a teacher's assistant and a teacher; later, she moved to Tennessee to work for the Jackson Generals Minor League Baseball team as the merchandise manager; after moving back to Huntley, she worked as a teacher's aide for special education at New Trier; in August of 2012, she became a teacher at Kenwood Academy in Hyde Park; and

WHEREAS, Following her diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer, Meghan O'Brien spent 2 1/2 years as an advocate and speaker regarding her disease; she had a strong desire to educate and reduce the stigma associated with lung cancer; and

WHEREAS, Meghan O'Brien loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, tennis, and much more; she was very proud of her Irish heritage and traveled to Ireland; she also enjoyed using her artistic abilities, especially making jewelry, and spending time with her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Meghan O'Brien was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Kenneth ("Boompa") and Elaine O'Brien, and her maternal grandmother, Dolores Plautz; and

WHEREAS, Meghan O'Brien is survived by her parents, Ken and Judy O'Brien; a brother, Ken (Andrea) O'Brien; a sister, Katie (Scott) Benson; 6 nieces and nephews, Aiden, Brady, Kailey, Aubrey, Jack, and Maddie; her grandfather, Chuck Plautz; her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends; and her beloved dog, Maxi May; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with her family and friends, mourn the passing of Meghan Cristin O'Brien; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Meghan O'Brien as an expression of our sympathy.