HJ0049 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0049 LRB102 18697 LAW 27170 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Sister Thomas Leo Monahan, O.P., who passed away on November 13, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Sr. Thomas Leo was born in Chicago to Roy and Kathryn (Devine) Monahan on September 20, 1929; she was baptized Kathleen Monahan; she graduated from Amundsen High School in Chicago; she received her Bachelor of Philosophy in History from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan; she earned her Master of Arts in History and her Master of Education in Administration/School Supervision from DePaul University in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Sr. Thomas Leo entered the Convent of the Adrian Dominican Sisters in Adrian, Michigan on June 24, 1951, and she professed her simple vows on December 28, 1952; and

WHEREAS, Sr. Thomas Leo ministered in elementary education for 61 years in Detroit, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio, in addition to Chicago, Mundelein, and Elmhurst; and

WHEREAS, Sr. Thomas Leo spent 40 years at the Visitation School in Elmhurst, where she served as principal for 38 years; and

WHEREAS, Sr. Thomas Leo established the Sister Thomas Leo Monahan Legacy Fund, providing tuition assistance for families seeking a Catholic education at the Visitation School; and

WHEREAS, For her dedication to the Visitation School and the entire Elmhurst community, Sr. Thomas Leo was named 2013's Friend of the Children by the Elmhurst Children's Assistance Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Sr. Thomas Leo was respected and loved by her students and their families, numbering in the thousands; she will be remembered for her kindness, her selfless nature, and her special ability to make everyone she met feel comfortable and important; and

WHEREAS, Sr. Thomas Leo lived a life of grace; she exemplified a life of devotion and commitment to her faith and good works; she deserves our thanks, gratitude, and words that say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we mourn the passing of Sister Thomas Leo Monahan, O.P., 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 Sr. Thomas Leo as an expression of our deepest sympathy.