MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2014
Title
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners extending sympathy and condolences to the family of Maureen O'Looney
Body
WHEREAS, Maureen O'Looney was born on February 8, 1922 in Bohola, County Mayo, Ireland; and
WHEREAS, in 1953, Maureen came to Chicago for a three week visit with relatives, fell in love with the city and never left; and
WHEREAS, in 1967, she opened her own store, Shamrock Imports in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Maureen used the store as an outlet to help Irish immigrants; providing housing, jobs, helping to set up bank accounts, assisting with citizenship, providing food and even letting some stay with her rent-free until they could support themselves; and
WHEREAS, Maureen played a major role in the political arena of Northern Ireland and in local politics in Chicago, as a founding member of Irish Northern Aid in Chicago and Irish National Caucus Chicago Chapter; she also lobbied Congress for immigration reform; and
WHEREAS, Maureen helped establish locally-based Irish organizations, including the Irish American Heritage Center, Emerald Society of Illinois, and in 1998, the Chicago Irish Immigrant Support (CIIS), a nonprofit organization created to aid Chicago's growing Irish population; and
WHEREAS, very active in the early days of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Maureen played camogie with Erin's Own and was one of the founding members of Chicago Gaelic Park; and
WHEREAS, for almost 40 years, Maureen hosted her American Irish Radio Network program, relaying news of the Irish community and Irish news abroad; and
WHEREAS, always willing to help those in need, Maureen hosted many charity events and won several awards for her big heart, including the designation of "Hometown Hero" from the Irish American Heritage Center; and
WHEREAS, while surrounded by friends and family, Maureen was called to eternal rest on August 20, 2014 and was reunited with her husband Clement, who preceded her in death; and
WHEREAS, Maureen is survived by her daughter, Theresa Dermody (Kevin), and four grandsons; Kevin, Brian, Conor and Brendan; and
WHEREAS, the entire Irish community in Chicago mourns the loss of Maureen and feels the impact of her lifetime of devotion to helping them feel at home in the city she so loved; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, extend our sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Maureen O'Looney; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the family of Maureen O'Looney.
Dated: September 4, 2014
Approved: KATHLEEN THERESE MEANY, President; BARBARA J. MCGOWAN, Vice-President; MARIYANA T. SPYROPOULOS, Chairman, Committee on Finance; MICHAEL A. ALVAREZ; FRANK AVILA; CYNTHIA M. SANTOS; DEBRA SHORE; KARI K. STEELE; PATRICK D. THOMPSON, Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Approved as to Form and Legality: Ronald M. Hill, General Counsel