HR1155 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1155 LRB098 21586 MST 60320 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Lucille "Jackie" Gallagher, who passed away on April 22, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher was born on June 7, 1928 in Chicago to Louis and Lucille Jaacks, the youngest of 3 children; she graduated from St. Genevieve Grammar and Providence High Schools in Chicago, and attended the School of the Art Institute in Chicago; she married Will Gallagher in 1950 and they became parents of 4 children; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher was involved in Democratic politics at the local, State and national levels for her entire adult life, involving her children right alongside her going door-to-door, distributing yard signs, and attending rallies; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher worked for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in Illinois, believing that equality for women was essential to the country's future; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher was one of the original staff members hired by then-Democratic leader Michael J. Madigan in 1981, and worked for him after he became Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in 1983; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher served as a key advisor and a tough and straight-talking spokesperson for the Chicago Teachers Union under presidents Jacqueline B. Vaughn and Thomas Reece; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher was appointed to head the Illinois Labor Relations Board, a post she held from 2003 until her retirement; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher's commitment to Democratic politics and her belief in women's rightful place in the political arena led her to serve on the founding board of Illinois Women in Leadership, a training program for Democratic women who wish to seek elective office; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher devoted her life to the political process because of her belief in the importance of the process and the ideals of the Democratic party; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher's influence on candidates, legislative staffers, elected officials, and labor leaders will be felt for years to come; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher was preceded in death by her parents, and by her son, Paul; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Gallagher is survived by her children, Audrey, Hugh, and Jane; her ex-husband, Will; her grandson, James and his fiancee Layla Lewis; and her brothers, Louis and Richard; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Jackie Gallagher, and we 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 Jackie Gallagher as an expression of our deepest sympathy.