SR0404 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0404 LRB103 33238 LAW 63047 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Drinda L. O'Connor, who passed away on July 16, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Drinda O'Connor was born to James Paul and Joyce Inez Hicks in Monticello, Kentucky on August 9, 1951; she graduated from Pleasant Plains High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Sangamon State University in Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Drinda O'Connor worked for the State of Illinois for 24 years; for 15 of those years, she served as deputy chief operations officer with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), where she managed the State of Illinois' largest leased property portfolio; prior to working at IDHS, she served as director of Citizens Assistance and Community Affairs for both Governor James Thompson and Governor Jim Edgar; and

WHEREAS, Drinda O'Connor was very active in her community, volunteering her time and efforts to many organizations; she was a former elected trustee and chairman of the board of Lincoln Land Community College, an appointed commissioner of the Springfield Airport Authority, a trustee of the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District, president of the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois, one of the seven commissioners to oversee the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, and treasurer of the Sangamon County Republican Foundation, where she planned all fundraising events and chaired dozens of fundraisers for numerous local and statewide candidates; and

WHEREAS, Drinda O'Connor was also involved in numerous other social groups, clubs, and committees, including Sunnyside, Together Women Rise, and the Sangamon County Republican Women; and

WHEREAS, Drinda O'Connor lived a full life; her love for travel led her to more than 30 countries, including Japan, China, Africa, Jordan, Cuba, Norway, Switzerland, and Egypt; she loved reading and learning about family history; and

WHEREAS, Drinda O'Connor was a kind, generous soul, with a personality that could light up any room; she was happiest when spending time with her family, and she was affectionately known as "Gaga" to her granddaughter, Addi; she will be remembered for her love of family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Drinda O'Connor was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jimmy Wayne Hicks; and

WHEREAS, Drinda O'Connor is survived by her daughters, Kelly Anne Sweeton and Julie K. (Duane) Warrens; her granddaughter, Addison Elizabeth "Addi" Warrens; her siblings, Carolyn Sue Reavis, Forrest Lee (the late Sally) Hicks, Deena Charlene Barnett, Billy Jo (Connie) Hicks, and Paul Jason Hicks; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Drinda L. O'Connor 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 Drinda O'Connor as an expression of our deepest sympathy.