SR0986 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0986 LRB101 16025 MST 65387 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rosiland Dennis of Springfield, who passed away on December 6, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Rosiland Dennis was born in Santa Barbara, California to Emil J. and Virginia M. (Taylor) Milligan on May 13, 1945; she graduated from high school in Crooksville, Ohio in 1963 and earned a bachelor's degree in social work from The Ohio State University; she earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois, where she received the Mark Hale Award for scholastic excellence; she married Herbert "Herb" Dennis in Crooksville on June 17, 1967; and

WHEREAS, Rosiland Dennis worked for the Sangamon Area Special Education District and the Pleasant Plains School District for 30 years; she was passionate about working with children through counseling and strengthening them to become productive adults; and

WHEREAS, Rosiland Dennis was a founding member of the School Social Workers of America; she served as a board member and former president of the Illinois Association of School Social Workers (IASSW) and was a chairwoman for the IASSW State Conference for numerous years; she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and was a member of the board for the University of Illinois School of Social Work; and

WHEREAS, Rosiland Dennis was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where she was a charter member of the adult choir and a member of the funeral choir; she comforted countless families by helping prepare funeral luncheons and was a member of the Polly Roesch King's Daughters Circle; her favorite hobbies were traveling, reading, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Rosiland Dennis was preceded in death by her parents; and

WHEREAS, Rosiland Dennis is survived by her husband of 52 years, Herbert; her children, Lara, Matthew (Amy), and Mark (Rachel) Dennis; her grandchildren, Jackson Blackwell, Lincoln and Stella Rose Willoughby, Andrew, Michael, Patrick, and Catherine Dennis, and Charlotte, Cora, and Cecilia Dennis; her sisters, Erin Arnett and Jodi (Kevin) O'Connell; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 Rosiland Dennis 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 Rosiland Dennis as an expression of our deepest sympathy.