SR0218 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0218 LRB103 31965 LAW 60740 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Christine "Chris" Eik Winick of Galesburg, who passed away on November 5, 2022 at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Chris Winick was born to Margaret Hansen Eik and Gunnar Eik in Galesburg on June 11, 1951; she graduated from Galesburg High School in 1969; she then attended Illinois Wesleyan University before transferring to Knox College, where she graduated with her degree in Political Science in 1973; she later received her Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 1989; she additionally earned a graduate certificate in Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations and was a certified hostage negotiator; and

WHEREAS, Chris Winick was a lifelong public servant, beginning her career with the State of Illinois; she first worked as an ombudsman with the Governor's Office of Human Resources in the Quad Cities area; she then served as a volunteer services coordinator and social worker with the Department of Children and Family Services; next, she worked at the Galesburg Mental Health Center, where her mother and sister were also employed; she later held positions at Galesburg Community Unit School District 205, directing the district's before-school and after-school programs, and the InTouch Day Center for Older Adults; she then became a counselor with the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Henry Hill Correctional Center, where she worked until she retired in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Outside of work, Chris Winick was an active leader in politics and her community; she was a lifelong progressive Democrat and was the beating heart of the Knox County Democratic Party for many years, including serving as chair and briefly serving as the committeewoman for the 17th Congressional District on the State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Illinois; she was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1984, 2008, 2016, and 2020; she also served on the Knox County Board from 1982 to 2002, including serving as chair of the Finance Committee, under both Democratic and Republican majorities, and as township supervisor from 1989 until her passing; and

WHEREAS, Chris Winick was a member of the Knox Alumni Council and a leader in the Galesburg Knox Club; she previously served on the boards of Family Planning Services, Safe Harbor, Temple Sholom, the Knox County FEMA, the Carver Community Action Agency, and the Knox County Head Start Policy Council; she also had served on the Illinois Attorney General's Senior Citizen Advisory Council and as secretary of Illinois Women in Government; and

WHEREAS, Chris Winick received several accolades during her lifetime, including being named as the Knox County Democratic Woman of the Year in 2010 and receiving a Knox College Service Award in recognition of her years of service to her alma mater and community in 2014; and

WHEREAS, Chris Winick filled her home with paintings, prints, and sculptures, which were often created by local Galesburg artists and Knox College classmates; she was known for her passionate views, her style, and her impeccable wardrobe; she loved experiencing live music and theater, going on her daily walks at Lake Storey, traveling near and far, and having long chats with friends and acquaintances over coffee at Innkeepers, wine at Vintages, or a beer at Knox County Brewing Company; and

WHEREAS, Chris Winick was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who loved politics and serving her community; of her many accomplishments, she was proudest of her son, Ben, and her daughter-in-law, Lari Dierks; and

WHEREAS, Chris Winick was preceded in death by her husband, Norm Winick; and

WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, Chris Winick was survived by her son and daughter-in-law; her sister, Marna; her sister-in-law, Diane (Lonnie) Graul; her brother-in-law, Andy (Sherry) Winick; her nieces, Brynn (Jim Baker) Seibert and Leslie (Josh) Wangeman; her nephews, Keith (Christy Wagner) Graul and Dylan Winick; and her many other close friends and family; 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 Christine "Chris" Eik Winick 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 Chris Winick as an expression of our deepest sympathy.