HR1459 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1459 LRB095 22058 GRL 52333 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The institution of marriage is one of the cornerstones upon which our society is built, and a marriage that has achieved a notable longevity is truly a model for the people of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Joseph and Dolores Mendoza of Aurora on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary on September 6, 2008; and

WHEREAS, In 1947, at the age of ten, Dolores Corralejo came from Mexico to live in Chicago, living on Laflin Street near Little Italy; while living in the neighborhood, she became best friends with Mary Gutierrez, whose older brother Joe caught her eye; she instantly knew that she would marry Joe, but Joe did not share the same feelings at first, being five years her senior and wanting nothing to do with such a young girl; when Dolores was 17, she asked Mary to ask the guys of the neighborhood to find out if Joe was interested in her; a friend came back to tell her that Joe was waiting until Dolores turned 18 because once he went out with her it would be for good; and

WHEREAS, On September 6, 1958, Joseph Mendoza and Dolores Corralejo were married at the Notre Dame Church in Chicago; their family began growing the following year, with daughters Laura Jean and Loretta Ann born two minutes apart on October 13, 1959; their third daughter, Josephine, was born the following year on November 18, 1960; and

WHEREAS, In the summer of 1961, the family moved to 1127 Douglas Avenue in Aurora, where the couple still resides today; on September 2, 1962, their first son, Joseph Frank, was born; later, two more boys joined the family, James Gregory on April 7, 1967 and Michael John on April 17, 1973; and

WHEREAS, Joseph and Dolores Mendoza raised all six of their children on the east side of Aurora; Joseph was employed with the Burlington Northern Railroad until his retirement, while Dolores worked for the East Aurora School District; the family was led by example to be of service to others and were always willing to lend a hand at school, church, and organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the Lions Club, among others; and

WHEREAS, Joseph and Dolores Mendoza's are now fully grown and have blessed them with grandchildren, which they joyfully spoil; they have nine grandsons, Edward, Brian, Andrew, Christopher, Kyle, Timothy, Donald Joseph (deceased), Matthew, and Michael, and four granddaughters, Kathryn, Kristina, Carrie, and Emily; and

WHEREAS, The respect for marriage reaches one of its highest plateaus when a couple such as Joseph and Dolores celebrate their golden wedding anniversary; Joseph and Dolores stand as examples of the best of our society, and their love and devotion to each other and to their family and friends serve as a reminder to all that hard work, dedication, and love can make a difference in today's world; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Joseph and Dolores Mendoza on the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary; that we commend them for achieving a long and happy marriage, blessed with children, grandchildren, and rich in friendships; and that we wish them happiness and good health in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Joseph and Dolores Mendoza as a symbol of our esteem and respect.