HR1318 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1318 LRB097 23522 GRL 72550 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Ruth Geyer Lerner, who passed away on October 16, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Lerner was born on December 8, 1923, in Vejprty, in what is now the Czech Republic; as a child, she and her family were forced into hiding after the rise of the Nazis in Europe during World War II; after the war, she immigrated to the United States, attended medical school, and met her future husband and love of her life, Herbert Lerner; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Lerner and her husband, both pediatricians, had their offices in Hyde Park for over 50 years, where they gained sterling reputations as skilled and generous doctors who provided free care for low-income patients; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Lerner was committed to the civil rights and peace movements; she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Cicero, Selma, and Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Lerner was an accomplished artist and musician, playing guitar and singing at peace rallies; her guitar playing inspired her son to become a professional musician; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Lerner loved nature, arts and crafts, making homemade furniture and ornaments, and participating in numerous sports, including shot put, tennis, swimming, and racquetball; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Lerner is survived by her loving husband, Herbert; her sons, Claude and Peter; her daughter, Heidi; her grandchildren, Camille, Luke, Jasmine, and Matthew; her twin sister, Inge; and her many other family members and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Ruth Geyer Lerner; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ruth Lerner as an expression of our sympathy and gratitude.