SR0615 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0615 LRB100 13113 MST 27503 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mary Frances Draper, who passed away on January 21, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Mary Draper was born to Judge James V. and Frances M. Bartley on November 4, 1922 and raised in Joliet; she attended Cathedral Of St. Raymond Grade School, St. Francis Academy, and St. Francis College (University of St. Francis) in Joliet; she graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature; she wed Addison Dent Draper on September 4, 1942; and

WHEREAS, Mary Draper worked as an assistant at the Peru Public Library, as an aide to State Rep. Donald Anderson, a registered social worker for the Horizons Center in LaSalle-Peru, and with her husband, ran an outdoor education program for middle school students, "Natures Classroom", in LaSalle-Peru; and

WHEREAS, Mary Draper taught CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), procured food and clothing for local migrant workers, volunteered for UNICEF, and was active in the Christian Family Movement; and

WHEREAS, Mary Draper enjoyed literature and poetry, politics and social justice, caring for physically and intellectually challenged individuals, gardening and the environment, life-long learning, and elder hostels; she also liked hot air ballooning and cross country skiing; well into her 9th decade, she swam daily at the YMCA and did volunteer work with guide dogs for the blind and for several local shelters and agencies in Martinez, California; and

WHEREAS, Mary Draper loved social gatherings where she was often asked to perform oratorical ditties, musical parodies, and narrations from Mother Goose; following her husband's death in 1985, she traveled in Europe, Central America, and to national parks; and

WHEREAS, Mary Draper enjoyed the arts, visiting museums, and attending theater and concerts; she loved camping, swimming, hiking, and spending time at the family's cabin on the Magnetawan River in Ontario, Canada; after her retirement, she moved to Martinez, California to be near her children; she lived for periods with her various children, enjoying a rich and varied life with her extended family; and

WHEREAS, Mary Draper was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James M. Bartley; her sister, Nancy Hall (Bartley); her son, Patrick A. Draper; her daughter, Frances Eugenie "Genie" Draper; and her infant granddaughter, Sarah Inez Draper; and

WHEREAS, Mary Draper is survived by her children, Michael A. Draper, Robyn Draper-Praetz (Peter), Susan Draper (Michael), Peter Bartley Draper, Paul J. Draper (Jean), Miriam A. Goldfien (Robert), Greg C. Draper (Marcey), Allison D. Draper (Jeff), and Jonathon A. Draper (Ginny); her daughter-in-law, Lisa; 24 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; many friends; and her loving caregiver, Terry; 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 Frances Draper, 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 Draper as an expression of our deepest sympathy.