SR0163 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0163 LRB104 12187 ECR 22289 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Deanna "Dee" Dean Funk, who passed away on January 25, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Deanna Funk was born to John Lewis Dean and Faye Jenny Winslow Dean in Akron, Ohio on March 21, 1939; she received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology from Northwestern University in 1961; she married Donald Hay Funk, and they eventually moved to Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Deanna Funk was a devoted housewife and mother of two who opened her own art business, specializing in needlepoint, embroidery, fabric dyeing, and various other artistic techniques; she traveled to showcase her work, passionately sharing her techniques and insights with others, always eager to inspire those who wanted to learn; and

WHEREAS, Deanna Funk was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church; she was also a member of the Junior League, the Anti-Rust Club, Questers, the Abraham Lincoln Association, and the Embroiders Guild of America; she was a longstanding member of the Springfield Art Association, where she dedicated her time to volunteering due to being driven by her passion for artwork and her desire to inspire others; and

WHEREAS, Deanna Funk considered being a grandmother her greatest accomplishment, and she was affectionately known as "Nana"; she always made it a priority to be there for her family; and

WHEREAS, Deanna Funk had many passion projects and hobbies that she taught and passed down to her grandchildren, including art and genealogy; and

WHEREAS, Deanna Funk was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years, Donald; and her brother, John Franklin Dean; and

WHEREAS, Deanna Funk is survived by her children, Anne Funk and Donald (Layna) Funk; two granddaughters; her niece and nephew, Michelle (Michael Borenstein) and John Dean; her sister-in-law, Jeanne Dean; and many grandnieces and grandnephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Deanna "Dee" Dean Funk 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 Deanna Funk as an expression of our deepest sympathy.