SR0507 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0507 LRB103 34698 MST 64543 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Marla Kim Benziger of Chicago, who passed away on September 24, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Kim Benziger was born in Chicago to Martin and Margaret (Kalcok) Seplak in 1942; she grew up on the northwest side of Chicago and attended Taft High School; she graduated from Illinois State University in 1964, where she studied elementary and art education; she married Robert Benziger at Third Unitarian Church in Chicago on June 27, 1964; and

WHEREAS, Kim Benziger taught at Mansfield Grade School, while her husband finished his education at the University of Illinois; she and her husband relocated to upstate New York and then to suburban Detroit; they returned to the Chicago area, Deerfield, in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Kim Benziger was interested in issues that affect women; she participated in two organizations, the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women (AAUW); she was most active in the AAUW, devoting her time and energy to actively promoting the organization's goal of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research; she volunteered in many positions at the branch level; she was active at the state level as well, ultimately becoming both Deerfield branch and Illinois state president; following her term as state president, she joined the Legacy Circle, working to expand its membership at a state and national level; and

WHEREAS, Kim Benziger enjoyed traveling domestically and internationally with Robert, visiting all seven continents, especially enjoying the wide variety of wildlife and cultures around the globe; she also enjoyed gardening and cooking and had an extensive collection of cook books, which became heavily annotated from frequent use; her favorite role became that of a grandparent, and she treasured her time with her grandchildren, particularly enjoying holiday and vacation gatherings; and

WHEREAS, Kim Benziger was preceded in death by her parents; and

WHEREAS, Kim Benziger is survived by her husband, Robert; her sister, Margo (Vincent) McGrath; her sons, Keith (Nicole) and Seth (Katie); and her grandchildren, Theodore, Marit, Maya, Zachary, and Danika; 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 Marla Kim Benziger 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 Kim Benziger as an expression of our deepest sympathy.