SR0675 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0675 LRB095 20827 GRL 49590 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mary Jean Roush of Downers Grove, who passed away on March 16, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush was born as Mary Jean Willman on September 10, 1924 in Owosso, Michigan; she met her future husband, Roy Roush, at Michigan State University; they were married in 1946 at her family's summer cottage on Mullett Lake in northern Michigan; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush attended Michigan State University and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush had an illustrious career as a kindergarten teacher in the Downers Grove District, teaching at both Lincoln and Hillcrest Elementary Schools; she was awarded a Teacher of the Year designation in 1982 in recognition of her work; she often stated that she loved teaching kindergarten because the children wore their hearts on their sleeves; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush spent her summers at her beloved cottage on Mullett Lake, Michigan; she loved the local flora and wildlife, and when she arrived at the beginning of each summer, the birds and animals always appeared as if to welcome her; she regularly attended concerts at Bay View in Petoskey and supported several local charities, including the Little Traverse Conservancy; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove; she participated in J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, and Yourself) as a young adult and later attended Young at Heart meetings; she forged many friendships within the church and particularly appreciated the talents of the musicians and various choirs, including the bell choirs; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush enjoyed music and playing the piano; she was known for her artistic flair and her creative Halloween costumes; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush always kept her home open to her family and friends; the family hosted an exchange student from South Africa, Marie Von Straaten, who remains a close-knit part of the family; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush is survived by her sister, Dorothy Lausten; her daughters, Susan Devick and Martha Winchell; her granddaughters, Dr. Jennifer LaBonte, Erin Winchell Koval, Samantha Devick, Ashley Devick, and Lindsay Devick; and her triplet great-grandchildren, Luke, Cecilia, and Jillian LaBonte; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jean Roush will be remembered by all who knew and loved her for her love of family and children; 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 Jean Roush; and be it further

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