SR1397 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1397 LRB099 16614 GRL 40951 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Deacon Roger Schmith of Woodridge, who passed away at the age of 95; and

WHEREAS, Deacon Roger Schmith was retired from the West Suburban Community Pantry, which he co-founded, and where he served in a volunteer capacity for 20 years; prior to founding the West Suburban Community Pantry, he served as chairperson of Downer Grove FISH, a non-denominational service provider of food, financial assistance, and transportation to people in need; and

WHEREAS, Deacon Roger Schmith was a member of the Illinois Hunger Coalition and the Catholic Roundtable of Social Action Directors; he served as Secretary of the Community Affairs Division of the Illinois Catholic Conference and was the Joliet Diocesan Legislative Advocacy Coordinator; he was also a speaker at the National Social Justice Ministries Gathering in Washington D.C. and at the Diocesan Peace and Justice Institute on Legislative Advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Deacon Roger Schmith served as a deacon at St. Scholastica since 1983; he was on the church's Parish Pastoral Council, Christian Service Commission, and RCIA team, and coordinated baptism and marriage preparation; and

WHEREAS, Deacon Roger Schmith is the beloved husband of Barbara (nee Dorsey); the loving father of Scott Schmith, Gretchen Higgins, Matthew (Annie) Kiskunas, David Schmith, Andrea Schmith, and Jeremy (Beatrice) Schmith; the cherished grandfather of Andrew Schmith, Michael and Amanda Higgins, and Dylan and Grace Castro; the proud great-grandfather of 3; the dear brother of Charles (Marty) Schmith, Robert (Karen) Schmith, Nicholas (Debbie) Schmith, and Arnold (Shelli) and Theresa (David) Wenham; he is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Deacon Roger Schmith; and be it further

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