SR0475 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0475 LRB101 12316 MST 61329 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Joanna Bernadine Vanni on January 8, 2019 at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni was born to Frank and Mary Breckenridge Kirchgessner in Metamora; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni was a graduate of the Metamora High School Class of 1948 and Rosary College, now Dominican University, Class of 1952; she completed master's level coursework at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago; in 1954, she married Steno Vanni at St. Mary's Church in Metamora; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni was a talented pianist and organist who worked as a church organist in the Oak Park and River Forest communities her entire adult life, including 33 years at St. Vincent Ferrer, followed by time at St. Giles Church, Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, and River Forest United Methodist Church, from which she retired in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni was, for many people, "a part of special events in our lives such as weddings, baptisms, concerts and special activities"; her music touched people; often, her audience clapped their hands as she played a fast and upbeat piece, and many were deeply moved by the spiritual classic music she played; she was always willing to share her special gift of music; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni was a lifelong lover and supporter of the arts as a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Architectural Foundation, and the Guild of American Organists; she also was a season ticket holder to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera, and the Joffrey Ballet for decades; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni loved animals and donated generously to numerous animal rescue organizations; she was known to spoil her "granddogs" and "grandkitties" with reckless abandon, happily noting that she could do so because they did not have to grow up to be responsible adults; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her musical endeavors, Joanna Vanni worked full time as an insurance claims administrator for Employers Insurance of Wausau for 23 years, where she formed lifelong friendships with many of her co-workers; she often commuted to work by bicycle rather than drive in busy Oak Park traffic; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni, in her retirement years, traveled extensively in the United States and Europe; she particularly enjoyed visiting many of the great cathedrals in Europe, taking special notice of their organs along the way; as a devout Catholic, these trips fulfilled her both spiritually and musically; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni was preceded in death by her loving husband, Steno; her daughter, Sylvia Candela; and her siblings, Fr. Julius Kirchgessner, Gene Elbert, Albert Kirchgessner, and Isabel and Anna Belle Kirchgessner; and

WHEREAS, Joanna Vanni is survived by her children, Paul Vanni, Bill Vanni (Lori), Jim Vanni (Julie), and Jane Vanni-Noone (Kevin); and her grandchildren Chrissy (Ben), Stanley, and Aidan; 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 Joanna Bernadine Vanni 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 Joanna Vanni as an expression of our deepest sympathy.