SR0773 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0773 LRB103 39309 ECR 69463 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Melissa Katherine Bowie of Chicago, who passed away on January 25, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Bowie was born to Sallie and Bill Bowie in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 17, 1975; she graduated from Forest Hills Northern High School in 1993; she received a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in 1997 and a Juris Doctor from Catholic University of America in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Bowie built an influential career lobbying federal and state governments, most recently for Takeda Pharmaceuticals; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Bowie was deeply committed to her faith and encouraged others as well, with handwritten notes, gifts of devotionals, and deep emotional connections; she was an active member of Park Community Church; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Bowie created joyful opportunities for travel with her loved ones, visiting France, Israel, Turkey, and Peru; she was an avid golfer, skier, and sailor; she loved dressing up on Halloween, hosting annual Christmas cookie parties, and doting on her dog, Lulu; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Bowie was a fiercely loyal daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, and she always prioritized her relationships with her loved ones; her presence brought joy, creativity, and adventure to every encounter; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Bowie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Julia Honaker Hibbitt, and her grandfather, Jack Montgomery Bowie; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Bowie is survived by her parents; her grandmother, Janice Justice Bowie; her brothers, Ryan Montgomery (Kristen) Bowie and Sean Nicholas (Emily) Bowie; and her nieces and nephews, Lillian Summers "Lily" Bowie, Grace Katherine Bowie, William Ryan "Liam" Bowie, Virginia Prescott Bowie, Dorothy Hanson Bowie, Thomas Montgomery Bowie, and Bryce William Bowie; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Melissa Katherine Bowie 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 Melissa Bowie as an expression of our deepest sympathy.