SR0638 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0638 LRB095 20620 KXB 48732 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mary V. Perina of Hinsdale, who passed away on March 1, 2008; and

WHEREAS, She was born June 25, 1920, in Chicago; she was a graduate of Morton High School and went on to attend several institutions to continue her advanced education; her love of music culminated with her lead performance in several operas while attending school, and she had an early career working for Presbyterian/St Lukes Hospital in Chicago and Ryerson Inc.; and

WHEREAS, She married Henry Roger Perina on September 21, 1946, and celebrated 50 years of marriage prior to his passing; Mrs. Perina was a loving homemaker, raising her three children in Brookfield and then Hinsdale, before working for Marshall Field's; as a 27-year employee of the company, she helped open the Oak Brook location, retiring as assistant manager of the cosmetic department; and

WHEREAS, She was a longtime member of the Downers Grove Oratorio Society, having the distinction of performing under the direction of baritone Sherrill Milnes; she was a passionate volunteer and gave her time to Hinsdale Hospital since 1972, making children smile in the pediatric department as well as all who worked with her, and acting as a member of the hospital volunteer advisory board; as an early volunteer for the Ray Graham Association, she chaired numerous benefits to raise money for the foundation, collaborating with the Butler family and the Oak Brook Polo Club; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Perina also gave her time and talents to the DuPage Board of Elections, West Suburban Band, and the Elmhurst College Band; she was a lifelong humanitarian and an advocate for animals, she was a worldwide traveler, enjoying trips on the Concord, Queen Elizabeth 2, and to her family's ancestral home in the Czech Republic; she will be remembered by those who loved her for her kindness, strength, modesty, charm, and wit, her beautiful parties, the clothes she designed and gourmet meals she prepared; she will also be remembered for her enduring ability to make everyone feel special; and

WHEREAS, She is survived by her son, Henry L. Perina; her daughters, Cynthia (Carl) Curry and Deborah (David) Lambin; her grandchildren, Jessica, Elliot, and Julia Curry, and Jeffrey, Rachael, and John-Henry Lambin; her sister, Patricia Beranek; and her brother, Otto (Maryanne) Vent; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Mary V. Perina; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mary V. Perina as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.