SR2047 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2047 LRB099 21872 GRL 49371 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Muriel Claire Kotchever Schnierow, who passed away on April 24, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Muriel was born on February 1, 1928 in Rogers Park; her parents were Saul and Estelle Kotchever; and

WHEREAS, Muriel attended Sullivan High School and the University of Wisconsin; she subsequently moved to Oak Park, where she spent 20 years as a successful real estate broker and was the first woman to sell commercial real estate in Oak Park; and

WHEREAS, Muriel was an accomplished singer and pianist; she sang with the Oak Park River Forest Symphony Chorus in cathedrals all over Europe and worked with the Nineteenth Century Club, involving herself in their music program as well as mentoring many young aspiring musicians; she was also a member of and donor to Unity Church; and

WHEREAS, Later in her life, Muriel became a political activist and consultant with the progressive faction of the Democratic Party; she was called a "key supporter" of New York Senator, Charles Schumer's successful 2006 campaign and worked tirelessly on the presidential campaigns of President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012; she most recently became an enthusiastic supporter of the presidential campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders; she also lobbied Vice President Joe Biden and other Democrats to focus their time and energy on legislation to combat domestic violence, child abuse, and protecting the most vulnerable; she was known as fearless, persuasive, and passionate about her causes and tried to build coalitions and grow partnerships in support of change; and

WHEREAS, During her final illness, Muriel was a generous donor to charities and political organizations like Amnesty International and MoveOn.org; she left a posthumous donation to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Gerson; and

WHEREAS, Muriel is survived by her daughter Nancy; her son, Neil; her stepdaughters, Laurie and Beth; her daughter-in-law, Karen; her two grandchildren, Dean and Niko; and her cousin, Gloria; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with her family and friends, mourn the passing of Muriel Claire Kotchever Schnierow; and be it further

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