SR0682 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0682 LRB101 14469 ALS 63362 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Louise Turpin of Champaign, who passed away on September 18, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Louise Turpin was born in Olney to Ralph and Elizabeth VanMatre on March 11, 1933; she attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she was a member of the Tri Sigma sorority; she married Jim Turpin on August 16, 1952; they raised their family in Springfield and Champaign; and

WHEREAS, Louise Turpin worked in international banking and safe deposit services at Busey Bank; and

WHEREAS, Louise Turpin was an active member of the community and volunteered for many organizations, including the Springfield Art Association, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, and the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church of Champaign; her most important work was in support of mental illness research; inspired to honor the memory of her brother, she was a vigorous advocate and served on the board of directors of the Developmental Services Center in Champaign; she also volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); one of her most notable legacies was to have been part of the initial collaboration between the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign and the Canaan Baptist Church in Urbana to start the annual Gospel Jazz Fest to benefit the Men and Women's SAFE House, a substance abuse rehabilitation center; she was a proud member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Chapter MM; and

WHEREAS, Louise Turpin valued her family and friends; many memories are preserved because of her informal role as family photographer; she enjoyed accompanying her grandchildren on short trips and to local theater performances and watching Illini volleyball games; she will be remembered for her natural curiosity, her strong faith, and her gracious acceptance of others; and

WHEREAS, Louise Turpin was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Joe VanMatre; and her sister, Nan Shafer; and

WHEREAS, Louise Turpin is survived by her husband, Jim; her children, Chris (Jim Lukeman), Dan (Suzanne Cross), and Jayne (Joe DeLuce); her grandchildren, Carly (Jason) Sakowski, Kendall (Evan) Williamson, Shayne, Quinn, Trey, Jenna, and Jordan; her great-grandson, Luka; her brother, Frank (Pat) VanMatre; and many nieces, nephews, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Louise Turpin 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 Louise Turpin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.