SR0170 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0170 LRB099 10981 MST 31339 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Soledad "Shirley" Velasquez, 96, who passed away on February 9, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Velasquez, was a pillar and inspiration of the Illinois Latino community, and the beloved wife of the late Arturo Velasquez, the wind beneath his wings for 72 years; and

WHEREAS, The life partnership of Shirley and Arturo Velasquez began with a chance, love-at-first-sight meeting at a Chicago park, with an immediate, heartfelt, and binding declaration of love from Arturo leading to a storied marriage; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Velasquez was a true matriarch, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, whose children are known for their good works and commitment to the Mexican community; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Velasquez, an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox, once threw out a pitch to open a game; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Velasquez was a founding member of Cordi Marian Auxiliary, Lady Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and former member of the Azteca Lions Club; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Velasquez is survived by her children, Arthur Raymond (Joanne) Velasquez, Carmen Velasquez, Maria Elena Hanson, and Edward (Marianne) Velasquez; her grandchildren, Nannette (Jim) Zander, Renee (Jim) Togher, Arthur Robert (Griselda) Velasquez, Suzanne (John) Sheehy, Daniel Velasquez, Debra (Brad) Sasse, Dia (Gabriel) Pescetto, Robyn (Mike) Blake, Edward (Beth) Velasquez, Jaime (Tom) Darwin, and Janel (Scott) Mitchell; as well as many nieces and nephews; she was a great-grandmother of 21 and great-great-grandmother to one; sister to Rito, Manuel, Angelo, and the late Leopoldo, Angelina, Joseph, Virginia, and Raymond; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Soledad "Shirley" VelAsquez; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Soledad VelAsquez as an expression of our sympathy.