RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 4, 2023
Title
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners celebrating the life of Stanisława “Stasia” Rawicka (As Revised)
Body
WHEREAS, Stanisława (Krawczyk) Rawicka was born and raised in Jurów, Poland. Following her graduation from a cultural and educational college, she attended the University of Warsaw. She was later employed with the Ministry of Education for two years; and
WHEREAS, in November of 1980, Mrs. Rawicka left Poland and traveled to the United States for what was supposed to be a six week trip. With limited resources available, she made the journey alone, relying upon money borrowed from family. After spending some time in New York with a family friend, Mrs. Rawicka journeyed to Chicago; and
WHEREAS, after arriving in Chicago, Mrs. Rawicka performed various jobs including working at a cleaning service and providing childcare services. Having little command of the language, she was encouraged to study English at a local school; and
WHEREAS, while attending school improved her language capabilities, it also presented her with the opportunity to engage with people from the Polish community. In 1981, while accompanying friends on an outing, she met Waldemar Rawicki. Four years later, the two were married; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Rawicka dove into social work very quickly, first becoming a member of the Polish American Congress, where she would become the vice-president, and later joining the Polish National Alliance where she served as both vice-president and president for numerous years. Mrs. Rawicka also served as the president of the Giewont Society and was an active member of the Union of Young Polish Women and the Legion of Young Polish Women; and
WHEREAS, despite her busy and fulfilling life, her priority always remained her husband and her daughter Elizabeth; and
WHEREAS, always focused on the organizations to which she was a member, Mrs. Rawicka will always be remembered as being dedicated, enthusiastic, and willing to contribute in any way that she could. In recognition of her selfless commitment, in 2011 she was a recipient of the Illinois Brotherhood Award, the only awardee honored for participation in a Polish organization; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Rawicka believed in never saying "I", only "we" because she felt that no one ever did anything alone; 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 our staff, do hereby extend our condolences to the family of Stanisława Rawicka; 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 Stanisława Rawicka.
Dated: May 4, 2023