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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
SISTER ROSEMARY CONNELLY, RSM., IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Sister Rosemary Connelly from our midst; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly was the devoted daughter of the late Peter and Bridget Connelly of County Mayo Ireland; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly was the loving sister of the late Marie (late Ed) O’Brien, Kathryn (late Robert), the late Donald Connelly, the late Joe (late Patricia) Connelly, and the late Patricia (late Bob) Martin; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly was the dear aunt to many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and great grandnephews; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly grew up in Chicago, where she attended Chicago parochial schools. Her family’s deep faith and service to God led Sister Rosemary to join the Sisters of Mercy when she was 18 years old. Sister Rosemary’s motto “Love Serves Joyfully” was inscribed in her professional ring she wore throughout her service; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly earned a Bachelor of Social Science from St. Xavier University, a Master of Arts in Sociology from St. Louis University and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University. Sister Rosemary was awarded the University of Notre Dame’s 2023 Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor given to an American Catholic. Sister Rosemary received nine honorary degrees including the Order of the Lincoln Medallion (Illinois’ highest award for lifelong outstanding achievements), the Illinois Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Ernst & Young, and a Caring Institute award which named her one of the most caring people in America; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly served as a teacher, social worker and for 56 years as administrator of Misericordia Heart of Mercy which she was appointed to in 1969. In 1976 Sister Rosemary, along with 39 children and 35 staff moved Misericordia from the Southside to their new home on the Northside of Chicago. Today they serve more than 600 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through Sister Rosemary’s guidance, Misericordia touches families and supporters from all backgrounds. She was instrumental in developing compassionate care for those with disabilities that is the cornerstone of one of the nations leading communities for adults and children disabilities and their families; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly always credited her staff and the residents for making Misericordia an extraordinary place. She believed everyone is a gift and loved by God with a purpose in life; and
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County that the Board does hereby extend its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Sister Rosemary Connelly, her Misericordia family and the many friends and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of the same be tendered to the family of Sister Rosemary Connelly so that her memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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