SR0199 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0199 LRB102 12340 LAW 17677 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Anne (Peterson) Johnston of Champaign, who passed away on January 18, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Anne Johnston was born in Chicago to Faye and Peter Peterson on August 7, 1921; she attended the University of Illinois, where she studied floriculture and became a sorority member of Alpha Omicron Pi; she married Seely Johnston in 1971, and he preceded her in death in 2001; and

WHEREAS, Anne Johnston was the proprietor of Campus Florist in Champaign for 77 years; while a student at the University of Illinois, she opened her shop on South Wright Street in 1941; she later withdrew from school to concentrate on her business; after a few months, she moved her business to Green Street; she was the owner and operator of her business in an era when there were not many women entrepreneurs, and she helped to blaze that trail for the women who came behind her; she closed the shop in October 2018; and

WHEREAS, Anne Johnston was an active member in a number of organizations, including the Champaign Exchange Club, Altrusa, and the Republican party; she was the president and secretary for the Campus Business Men's Association; she was a lifetime member of the Illini Quarterback Club and the Rebounders; she served as a superintendent and flower judge for the Champaign County Fair for a few years; she was a member of the First United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Anne Johnston was known for her fun, independent, civic-minded, and generous spirit; she donated flowers and gave of her time to many area organizations; alongside her husband, she enjoyed traveling; outside of work, she enjoyed reading and listening to big band music; she loved flowers and animals; she will be remembered for being a phenomenal woman ahead of her time; and

WHEREAS, Anne Johnston was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; and

WHEREAS, Anne Johnston is survived by her good friend, Phyllis Valentine (Rob) and their extended family; her stepdaughter, Jan Johnston Glick (Jim), and their children and grandchildren, Scott, Steve, Wendi, Cody, Janlynn, Steven, Bradley, and Mikhi; and her cat, Gracie; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Anne (Peterson) Johnston 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 Anne Johnston as an expression of our deepest sympathy.