SR0957 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0957 LRB102 26430 LAW 36764 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Guadalupe "Lupe" (Bedolla) Jimenez of Chicago, who passed away on February 7, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Guadalupe Jimenez was born to Socorro and Efrain Bedolla in Chicago on March 16, 1957; she graduated high school in 1975; she married Jose Jimenez in 1975, and they had three children; and

WHEREAS, Alongside her husband, Guadalupe Jimenez co-founded Carnicerias Jimenez, one of Chicago's first successful Mexican grocery businesses, which has expanded to many locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including West Chicago; they opened their first storefront, Fruteria Jimenez, in 1975; they opened their second location, Carnicerias Jimenez, on August 8, 1976; they opened their third storefront at 4204 West North Avenue in 1977, where it still stands today; they built a grocery business that started with just themselves as employees and developed into a thriving enterprise that employs more than 400 people, including many who would become pioneers of the Mexican community; their business has won many national and local awards throughout the years for their corporate citizenship and citizen involvement; she maintained an active role in the business until her death; and

WHEREAS, Guadalupe Jimenez left a lasting impact on the community of West Chicago through her advocacy, including donating two semi-trucks full of plastic water bottles for the individuals in Flint, Michigan who were in need of clean water; and

WHEREAS, Guadalupe Jimenez was deeply committed to her faith; she was a significant pillar for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and she mentored many local entrepreneurs and silently sponsored organizations throughout the city, country, and world; and

WHEREAS, Guadalupe Jimenez was a formidable businesswoman and trailblazer whose no-nonsense approach was softened by her charming manner, great love for people, and huge heart; and

WHEREAS, Guadalupe Jimenez was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra; her brothers, Arturo, Efrain (Junior), and Jorgito; and her father, Efrain Bedolla; and

WHEREAS, Guadalupe Jimenez is survived by her husband, Jose Jimenez; her children, Luz Maribel, Jose III, and Lupita; her grandchildren, Victorito, Jose Alejandro, Adriana Sophia, and Camila Itzel; her brothers, Patricio, Mario, Pepe, Octavio, and Andres; and her mother, Socorro Bedolla; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Guadalupe "Lupe" (Bedolla) Jimenez 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 Guadalupe Jimenez as an expression of our deepest sympathy.