SR0172 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0172 LRB094 12076 CSA 45272 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with sadness of the death of Barbara Mead Blumenschein of Downers Grove on April 3, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Blumenschein was born and raised in Boardman, Ohio; she graduated with honors and earned a bachelor of science degree in English with a minor in Spanish in 1970 from Ohio State University; and

WHEREAS, She taught high school English briefly in Youngstown before she married her husband, Robert, in 1971; the family moved to Cleveland, then to Westmont; during that time, she taught at Eisenhower Junior High School in Darien; the family then moved to Houston and, in 1981, settled in Downers Grove; and

WHEREAS, An English teacher at Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove, she initially returned to teaching to help pay for her children's college educations, but it became a vocation rather than a mere job; while she taught, she took part-time courses at Northern Illinois University and received a master's degree in Education in 1986; and

WHEREAS, She reached every student, from those in high honor classes to those who struggled; she expected nothing but the best from everyone; she connected with all types of students, they were drawn to her because of her honesty; she respected the students and they respected her; from students to family and friends, she got people to do their best; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Blumenschein was in Who's Who Among American Teachers several times; her 22 years of teaching were highlighted last year when she was named Downers Grove Teacher of the Year by the Junior Women's Club; a student from the school nominated her; and

WHEREAS, A meticulous and stylish woman with a sense of humor, Mrs. Blumenschein also enjoyed spending an entire weekend watching sports; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Barbara Mead Blumenschein is felt by all who knew and loved her, especially her husband, Robert; her son, John; her daughter, Lauren; her mother, Bonnelyn Mead; and her sisters, Bonlyn Wheeling and Paula Finnie; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Barbara Mead Blumenschein and extend our sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to her family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.