SR0851 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0851 LRB101 15702 MST 65057 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Elizabeth "Bette" Ann Rackauskas of Bloomington, who passed away on November 24, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Bette Rackauskas was born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Lt. Col. (USMC) Richard Karl and Harriet McCarr Davis; she graduated from Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Rolling Meadows and continued her education at the Cook County School of Nursing; she earned her registered nursing license at the St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago in 1974; she married Dr. Gregory George Rackauskas on October 26, 1974; and

WHEREAS, Bette Rackauskas began her career at Cook County Hospital and continued with opportunities in Bloomington, where she and her husband started his private dental practice; throughout her life, she held many roles when working in medical practices, in interior design, and in her volunteer activities; she was generous with her time, her creativity, and her leadership skills; and

WHEREAS, Bette Rackauskas served her community as a Girl Scout Troop leader and an active supporter of the Central Catholic High School Parents Club; she helped raise funds for the American Red Cross; she was an appointed member of the Bloomington Planning Commission and a member of the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors; she spent a decade as an elected official on the McLean County Board; and

WHEREAS, Bette Rackauskas was full of love and especially enjoyed cooking for her family; she welcomed everyone into her home and supported her children in all their endeavors; she made every holiday magical and loved teaching her children about their Lithuanian heritage; and

WHEREAS, Bette Rackauskas was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, CPT (US Army) Casey Davis; and

WHEREAS, Bette Rackauskas is survived by her husband of 45 years, Greg; her children, Analiesa (Michael) Dickson, Dr. Vanessa Rackauskas, CDR (US Navy) Preston (Bridget) Rackauskas, Jarrod (Kelly) Rackauskas, Dr. Cassandra (Cory) Matney, Lorelei Samuelson, Natasha (Brandon) Long, and Marshall Rackauskas; her grandchildren, Madeline, Paxton, Jack, Eli, Christianson, Ava, Clark, Harper, Clyde, and Josephine; her brothers, Michael (Doreen) Davis, Kelly (Debbie) Davis, and LTC (US Army) Patrick (Elizabeth) Davis; and her sisters, Mary Davis Schoneman, Terri (Rick) Kerwin, and Kathleen (Eric) Barr; 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 Elizabeth "Bette" Ann Rackauskas 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 Bette Rackauskas as an expression of our deepest sympathy.