SR1267 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1267 LRB100 15820 ALS 31319 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mary Marling, who passed away on October 12, 2017 at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling was born in Detroit, Michigan to Lewis and Virginia Tower on April 17, 1937; she graduated from Grosse Pointe High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Russian Studies from New York University; she was deeply committed to her family, her community, and the Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling was an avid sports fan cheering loudest for the Detroit Tigers, University of Michigan football, the Detroit Red Wings, and later, the Chicago Cubs; she was deeply superstitious about sports and believed that ironing during games brought victory to her beloved Tigers; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling had an "I can make that" attitude and tackled many craft projects such as quilting and knitting; she later became an excellent bridge player and converted to online matches in recent years; she was a true music lover and played classical piano; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling recently celebrated 38 years of sobriety and was a firm believer in the power of Alcoholics Anonymous; she supported many in joining "The Club" and wanted to assure people that they were not alone; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling's final job was as the bookkeeper for the local non-profit Ten Thousand Villages fair trade shop, where she was able to combine her interest of orderly numbers and doing good; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling's friends would describe her as an optimist, curious and playful, and someone who lived life on her own terms; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling was an extrovert who thrived when surrounded by people; she also smiled and loved completely; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling was preceded in death by her parents; and

WHEREAS, Mary Marling is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Marling and Carrie Bankes; her grandchildren, Julia, Abby, and Will Bankes, who knew her as "Bama"; her son-in-law, Steve Bankes; her brother, John Tower (Susan); her sister, Sue Conklin (Robert); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mary Marling, 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 Mary Marling as an expression of our deepest sympathy.