HR0401 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0401 LRB103 32880 MST 62684 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Sandra Gardner, who passed away on May 22, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Gardner was born to Obie and Mary Gardner on December 6, 1954; she attended Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, where she sang in the a capella choir; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Gardner worked at Rush Presbyterian Hospital and JMB Realty; she retired in 2019 from Northwestern Hospital after 30 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Gardner was a member of Starlight St. James M.B. Church and developed a commitment to serving others; she joined the choir, singing soprano, and was excited about going to rehearsals, learning new songs, and traveling with the choir; she also served in the Willing Workers Club; she then joined Crusaders Church in 1990; she loved children and was placed over the children's ministry, where she mothered them and treated them like her own; she enrolled in the New Members class, where she bonded with her class and said they were like family; she was a faithful member on the deacons board, serving and ministering to others in need; she traveled with church members on missions to Addis Ababa Ethiopia, the Czech Republic, and parts of the United States; she was later ordained as a prophetess; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Gardner loved traveling and going to church conferences, picnics, and trips with the family; one of her favorite times was being with her son and family every 4th of July; she looked forward to staying overnight to watch fireworks or just visit; she was known as "Nana" to her grandchildren, and being with them was what she would talk about the most; she was so happy to see them achieve their goals, and she would reward them knowing that would make them work harder to receive more surprises; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Gardner gave of herself in many ways; she happily donated her time, a ride, a home cooked meal, clothes, or her ear to listen; she enjoyed serving others; she had a bubbly personality, and it was a joy to be in her presence; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Gardner loved her siblings, nieces, and nephews; she always looked forward to spending time with them and was glad when the family would meet; cooking was her forte, and she especially loved when family gathered for birthdays and holidays; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Gardner was preceded in death by her father, Obie; her brother, Melvin Gardner; and her sister, Dorothy Thompson; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Gardner is survived by her mother, Mary Gardner; her son, DeJaun (Crystal) Gardner; her grandchildren, Kahari, Kiari, and Kaeden; her sisters, Sarah Butler, Annie Travis, Mary McKinley, Gloria (Tyrone) Willis, and Joyce Gardner; her brothers, Jimmie (Florida) Gardner and Leonard Gardner; her aunt, Cora Hudson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Sandra Gardner 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 Sandra Gardner as an expression of our deepest sympathy.