SR1566 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1566 LRB101 23209 LAW 74353 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mary Bernadine Kennelly of Knoxville, who passed away on December 4, 2020 at the age of 98; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kennelly was born in Deerfield Township to Newton and Ferne (Schrodt) Cooper on October 21, 1922; she graduated from Fairview High School in 1939; she earned her bachelor's degree in Education from Western Illinois University; she married Teddy A. Kennelly at Locust Lane Church in Canton on May 26, 1945, and he preceded her in death on January 29, 2014; together, they moved to a farm in Maquon in 1946; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kennelly taught in Alpha for 2 years after graduating; she moved to Detroit, Michigan in the summer of 1940, where she worked as a Rosie the Riveter and made parts for planes during World War II; after moving back to Illinois, she taught for the Spoon River Valley School District from 1955 to 1970; she taught at Knoxville Junior High School from 1970 until she retired in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kennelly enjoyed working on genealogy with her husband; she loved reading, nature, gardening, and camping with her family; she was deeply committed to her faith and the relationships she shared with her family and her friends; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kennelly was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Berwyn Cooper; her grandson, Ryan Wiscons; her great-grandson, Colin Kennelly; and her great-granddaughter, Jolie Wiscons; and

WHEREAS, Mary Kennelly is survived by her daughter, Mickey (Jeff) Woolsey; her sons, Phil (Linda) Kennelly, Kyle (Kathy) Kennelly, Brian (Debbie) Kennelly, and Kevin (Annette) Kennelly; 19 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; 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 Mary Bernadine Kennelly 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 Mary Kennelly as an expression of our deepest sympathy.