HR0853 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0853 LRB103 41092 ECR 74308 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Marian Lois Shields Robinson of Chicago, who passed away on May 31, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Marian Robinson was born to Rebecca Jumper and Purnell Shields in Chicago on July 29, 1937; she attended teaching college; she married Fraser Robinson III in 1960, and they resided on Chicago's South Side, where they raised two children, Craig and Michelle, the future First Lady of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Marian Robinson worked as a secretary before becoming a stay-at-home mother; she later worked as a bank secretary until retirement; and

WHEREAS, Marian Robinson became a resident of the White House during the eight-year presidency of her son-in-law, Barack Obama, beginning in 2009; during her tenure, she was affectionately known as "first grandma", took care of her granddaughters, and successfully avoided the limelight while attending various events, concerts, and state dinners; she also joined the first family on a number of overseas trips before returning to Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Marian Robinson especially enjoyed spending time with her friends and attending weekly yoga classes; and

WHEREAS, Marian Robinson was a loving mother, a supportive mother-in-law, and a devoted grandmother; she will be remembered as a grounded, witty, and tough-minded matriarch of her family, providing steadiness and a fresh perspective to those around her; and

WHEREAS, Marian Robinson was preceded in death by her husband; and

WHEREAS, Marian Robinson is survived by her children, Craig (Kelly) Robinson and Michelle (Barack) Obama, and six grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Marian Lois Shields Robinson and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

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