SR0556 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0556 LRB103 35062 ECR 65013 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Karla Kay Chew of Oak Park, who passed away on June 8, 2023 at the age of 83; and

WHEREAS, Karla Chew was born on July 18, 1939, and she grew up in rural, central Michigan; she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class, where she was a dedicated member of the band, choir, and the basketball and cheerleading teams; and

WHEREAS, Karla Chew earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from Sangamon State University, working as a computer programmer while pursuing the latter degree and remaining in the field well afterwards; she retired from the White Cap Company in Chicago after 20-plus years of service; and

WHEREAS, Karla Chew was a dedicated and lifelong volunteer, committing her time to the Third Unitarian Church's Austin Scholars Awards Program, the Columbus Park Food Pantry, PADS, the Sierra Club, and Habitat for Humanity; and

WHEREAS, Karla Chew was similarly active in the many hobbies she maintained throughout her life; she was a skilled biker, skier, canoe rower, tennis player, and outdoorswoman; her energetic nature suited her as a grandmother, and she was often seen cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events and concerts; and

WHEREAS, Karla Chew became involved in local politics and was a dear friend and volunteer of the Democratic Party of Oak Park, donating her time to phone banking and canvassing for candidates who also believed in social justice; and

WHEREAS, Karla Chew was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Chew; and

WHEREAS, Karla Chew is survived by her children, Ryan (Lindsay Beller) Chew and Tracey (Glenn) Kugelard; her grandchildren, Jackson Kugelard, Carter Kugelard, Tabitha Chew, and Nora Chew; her sisters-in-law, Barbara (David) Roy and Nancy (Gerald) Kitch; her nieces and nephews, Rusty (Beth) Kitch, Barry (Ann Celi) Kitch, and Saundi (Christian) Theodossiou; and her Irish Doodle, Mollie; 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 Karla Kay Chew 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 Karla Chew as an expression of our deepest sympathy.