HR0330 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0330 LRB095 11938 KXB 35268 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Norma Masching and Donald O'Brien were married on April 27, 1957 at Sacred Heart Church, Campus, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Masching was raised on a dairy farm and was employed by Illinois Bell as a telephone operator at the time of her marriage; and

WHEREAS, Mr. O'Brien was raised on a farm in Reddick and was engaged in farming and employeed as a gas station manager at the time of his marriage; and

WHEREAS, The newly married Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien settled on a farm in Reddick and have been involved in farming their entire married lives; and

WHEREAS, Norma became a homemaker and raised their five children, Melinda (Dan Hogan), William (Cheryl), John (JoAnn), Mary Kay (Todd Gereaux), and Patrick (Karen); and

WHEREAS, They are the proud grandparents of 14 grandchildren, Matthew, Will, and Jack Hogan; Mackenzie, Donnie, and Connor O'Brien; Colleen and Jacque O'Brien; Mason, Michael, and Matthew Gereaux; and Kelsey, Ashley, and Maggie O'Brien; and

WHEREAS, The O'Briens have always lived life to the fullest; they enjoy big band music and ballroom dancing; they love to travel and explore new places, especially combing antique markets; their favorite travels include Ireland, both Clinton inaugurations, and now to Florida each winter; and

WHEREAS, The O'Briens are extremely proud of their Irish heritage, but are just as proud of being lifelong staunch Democrats and have been involved in political activities for many years; and

WHEREAS, Norma and Don are both retired; Don still enjoys being the Norton Township Highway Commissioner and Norma remains active with the parish council and the Council of Catholic Women at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Reddick; above all they enjoy their family and spending time together; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Don and Norma O'Brien on the celebration of their golden anniversary; that we commend them for achieving a long and happy marriage, blessed with children, grandchildren and rich in friendships; and that we wish them happiness and good health in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Don and Norma O'Brien as a symbol of our esteem and respect.