SR0606 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0606 LRB103 35321 ECR 65370 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Paula Hunn Phipps Denny of Springfield, who passed away on October 22, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Paula Denny was born to Paul Joseph and Lily May Hawkins Hunn on July 23, 1935; she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, where she was the senior class president and homecoming and prom queen; she married Derward S.L. "Dodo" Phipps Jr. on June 14, 1958; after his passing, she was married to Raymond Phipps from 1970 to 1984; she later married Thomas J. Denny in Springfield on November 30, 1994; and

WHEREAS, Paula Denny worked for the FBI and later in advertising for the State-Journal Register newspaper, retiring in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Paula Denny was a former Girl Scouts leader for over 20 years; she was president of the St. Joseph's Home Coterie, a sustainer in the Junior League of Springfield, a benefactor and volunteer of the Springfield Art Association, and a volunteer with the St. John's Samaritans for many years; she was a longtime member of the Island Bay Yacht Club (IBYC), a devoted parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church, where she served for years in the Altar and Rosary Guild, and a member of St. Agnes in her later years; and

WHEREAS, Paula Denny loved arts and crafts, playing bridge, entertaining her friends and her children's friends, finding special gifts for her grandchildren, long walks, and being involved in the planning and throwing of parties and get-togethers, including the annual Nun's Picnic at the IBYC; she loved being part of the Catholic community and had a warm and loving view toward everyone; she leaves behind a legacy of graciousness and kindness; and

WHEREAS, Paula Denny was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Mary Louise "Mitzie" Smith Collins and Alice Flaherty; her infant siblings, Paul Hunn and Lily Hunn; her first husband; her second husband; and her step-grandson, John Denny; and

WHEREAS, Paula Denny is survived by her husband of 29 years, Thomas Denny; her sister, Marjorie Hunn; her children, Louise (William) Phipps Senft, Derward S.L. "Tripper" (Laura) Phipps III, Elizabeth (William) Phipps Sanborn, William (Kathleen) Phipps II, and Lillian (Benjamin) Phipps Johnston; her grandchildren, Paula (Michael) Easton, Peter "Pete" (Madeline) Senft, Derward "Dewey" (Margaret) Senft, Archer Senft, William "Dutch" Senft, Elizabeth (Joe) Saraceno, Rosie Phipps, Daniel Phipps, Lt. David Phipps USMC, Lily Sanborn, John "Jack" Sanborn, Ellery Berenger, Louise "Charlotte" Phipps, Hawkins Phipps, Mabel Johnston, Alice Johnston, and Dorothy Johnston; her great-grandchildren, Phipps Ann Easton, Grace Saraceno, Joe Saraceno Jr., and Lucy Saraceno; her step-children, Teresa Denny, Bobby Denny, and Maureen Denny; and her step-grandchildren, Bridget Curren, Cecelia McAfee, and Isabelle McAfee; 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 Paula Hunn Phipps Denny 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 Paula Denny as an expression of our deepest sympathy.