SR0280 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0280 LRB103 32299 ECR 61601 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Donna Mae (Bonar) Haerr of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Peoria, who passed away on March 18, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Donna Haerr was born to Donald and Edna Lape Bonar in Bloomington on May 9, 1930; she married Alvin R. Haerr in Peoria in August 1957; she attended the University of Illinois, where she pursued premed studies and majored in biochemistry; and

WHEREAS, Donna Haerr pursued a career in medical technology in Chicago and eventually in Peoria; later in life, she reentered the workforce as the development director at WCBU, a public radio station in central Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Donna Haerr was a born leader with a vision, and she dedicated her passion to developing a community through the arts, culture, and values; she served as president of the Peoria Symphony Guild and the Lakeview Art Museum Board of Directors; she served on multiple boards and was a member of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Lakeview Art Museum, the Peoria Opera Company, the Salvation Army, and the Boys and Girls Club of Peoria; and

WHEREAS, Donna Haerr was a key figure in establishing the Community Foundation of Central Illinois in 1985, serving as the its first executive director; during her tenure, she helped initiate the Women's Fund in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Donna Haerr was a faithful member of First Federated Church; she served as a lay leader for the church's board and on the Mission Committee to coordinate community reading programs and missions across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Donna Haerr's favorite symphony was Beethoven's Symphony No. 9; in her final years, her artistic muse culminated in a gallery of paintings inspired by her favorite classical symphonies and treasured art pieces from around the world; and

WHEREAS, Donna Haerr was preceded in death by her grandson, Robert Kohn; and

WHEREAS, Donna Haerr is survived by her children, Debra (James) Victor, Mark (Meg) Haerr, Diana (Andy) Kohn, and Eric (Piya) Haerr; her grandchildren, Michael (Taylor Morgan) Kohn, Kathryn Haerr (Matthew) Marcenelle, Christopher (Helena) Haerr, and Davis Haerr; and her great-granddaughter, Gianna Marcenelle; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Donna Mae (Bonar) Haerr 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 Donna Haerr as an expression of our deepest sympathy.