HR1288 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1288 LRB097 23212 MST 72035 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Geraldine Mardis (nee Lane) of Chicago, who passed away on October 12, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Mardis was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Bessie and Roscoe Lane; she graduated from Parker High School and received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, where she was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and

WHEREAS, During her time at the University of Chicago, Geraldine Mardis was such a popular and outstanding student that she was nominated by her friends for the honor of having her picture placed in the Cap and Gown, an annual student yearbook, as the university's representative beauty; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Mardis married Winston Mardis; she was mother to Winston L. Mardis and mother-in-law to Barbara Anne (nee Hinton); and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Mardis was a member of the National Association of Social Workers, spent many years of her life caring for others, and is believed to be the first African American hired as a medical social worker in the city; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Mardis worked as a medical social worker at Michael Reese Hospital, where she provided care for preschool-age children with physical disabilities, and at Rest Haven Rehabilitation Hospital, where she was appointed Director of the Social Service Department and voted "Employee of the Year"; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Mardis broke new ground with her life at a time when opportunities were often difficult to come by for African Americans; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Geraldine Mardis 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 Geraldine Mardis as an expression of our sincere condolences.