SR0684 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0684 LRB095 20993 GRL 50075 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Norma Bernsohn, nee Raphael, who passed away on April 15, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Norma Bernsohn was born in New York City in 1917; she attended Brooklyn College until her marriage to Joseph Bernsohn in 1940; and

WHEREAS, After ten years as a mother and wife, Norma Bernsohn attended Chicago Teachers College, where she obtained her degree in education; she then taught in several elementary schools around Chicago, including schools in the Cabrini Green area; during her tenure at York Center, she pioneered the concept of a parenting program so that home life could compliment the school experience for children; she was also critical in the development of one of the first Head Start programs in the country at Jane Addams Hull House and was one of the forces behind the annual "Week of the Young Child"; and

WHEREAS, After earning her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Development from Northwestern University, Norma Bernsohn had a career educating future teachers at both Malcolm X College and Truman College in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Norma Bernsohn's teaching style and innovative methods undoubtedly inspired and influenced hundreds of excellent and dedicated educators teaching throughout the country today; and

WHEREAS, In her later years, Norma Bernsohn enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending winters in Ajijic, Mexico with her husband, square dancing, enjoying her home in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, and traveling around the world; and

WHEREAS, Norma Bernsohn will be remembered by all who knew and loved her for her vibrant spirit, positive attitude and unending energy, which was felt by all in her presence; 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 Norma Bernsohn; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Norma Bernsohn as an expression of our sympathy.