SR0210 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0210 LRB103 31949 LAW 60699 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lesley Swick Van Ness of Morton, formerly of Quincy, who passed away on April 10, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Lesley Van Ness was born to Sterling and Jan (Johnson) Swick in Macomb on December 28, 1980; she graduated from Hamilton High School in 1999; she earned her Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University in 2003, where she was a member of the ISU Department of Communications TV-10 news team; she married Thomas "Tom" Van Ness at St. John's Anglican Parish in Quincy on June 2, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Lesley Van Ness began her long and distinguished career in TV after graduation, starting as an intern at WGEM; she began full-time employment in 2003, serving in the Macomb Bureau before earning her first promotion as weekend anchor; she was promoted again to primary evening anchor for the newscasts at 5:00 and 10:00 p.m. in 2008; she began anchoring all three evening broadcasts in 2010; during her 13-plus years at WGEM, her work on air and producing newscasts was award-winning, her dedication to the viewers and industry was exemplary, and her smile and charisma made her a household name in the tristate area; after her on-air career, she continued working for Quincy Media as its first recruitment specialist; and

WHEREAS, After Gray Television acquired Quincy Media in 2021, Lesley Van Ness was asked to develop the recruitment division as its first director of talent acquisition; she created the foundation and blueprint for fellowship programs, paid internships, and opportunities for future journalists in over 113 television markets across the United States; she was a highly prized contact for students in the hunt for careers in journalism as she fought for and mentored students in their journey to become journalists; and

WHEREAS, Lesley Van Ness was a devoted partner to her husband, Tom; together, they enjoyed many adventures, including the three-day run up in Wrigleyville for the 2016 Cubs World Series win, all-night round trips to Duke University's appearance in the 2015 Final Four and its fifth NCAA title, many Dave Matthews and Bon Jovi concerts, shows on Broadway in New York City, and honky-tonks in Nashville; they also loved visiting the beach and spending time on Marco Island, Florida; their most enjoyable adventure was raising their two boys; and

WHEREAS, Lesley Van Ness was the consummate professional and an exceptional wife and mother who taught her children the importance of reading, safety, learning, and love; she will be remembered with respect and admiration; and

WHEREAS, Lesley Van Ness was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Annalee Johnson; her paternal grandparents, Vernon and Nellie Swick; her maternal uncle, Rick Johnson; her grandparents-in-law, Thomas and Anne Oakley and Albert and Judy Van Ness; and her stepfather-in-law, Steve Winters; and

WHEREAS, Lesley Swick Van Ness is survived by her husband; her sons, Sterling Thomas Van Ness and Cameron Lyle Van Ness; her parents; her aunts, Joanna (Barry) Wright, Cathy Johnson, and Cathy (Blake) Haskins; her uncles, Tom (Jane) Swick and Terry (Pam) Swick; her cousins, Megan (Chris) Atkinson, Jared (Kat) Wright, Marty (Julie) Gleason, Sara (Jade) Haskins, Ashley (Michael) Kowall, Amanda (Che') Humphrey, Todd Swick, Amy Rea, Justin (Mindy) Johnson, Andy (Melissa) Johnson, and Krista Johnson; her nieces, Brylee Cook and Allison Icenogle; her mother-in-law, Mary Winters; her father-in-law, Jon (Tina) Van Ness; her siblings-in-law, Ben (Amanda) Van Ness and Jonathan (Mark Peacock) Van Ness; her stepsister-in-law, Jennifer (Don) Krutmeier; and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews; 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 Lesley Swick Van Ness 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 Lesley Van Ness as an expression of our deepest sympathy.