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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. LAURIETTA “JERI” STENSON
WHEREAS, Mrs. Laurietta Geraldine Stenson, who everyone knows as Jeri, was a lifetime native of Maywood. She was born in a house located at 10th Avenue and St Charles Road. She and her two brothers, Richard and Anthony, were raised and schooled in the local community; and
WHEREAS, As a young woman, Jeri began her life-long service to others by attending nursing school and becoming a licensed nurse. For many years, she provided gentle and loving care to patients, especially those in home confinement; and
WHEREAS, She eventually shifted her nursing focus to social work and began working at her church, the St. James Parish in Maywood. She served as a community outreach and social work specialist, bringing much care and support to people in need and families for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Jeri was married for 37 years to her loving and supportive husband, the Late James Stenson, a former Maywood Police Chief of Maywood who preceded her in death in May 2022. She is a loving mother of four sons and three daughters and one step-daughter. She enjoys entertaining her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all year long; and
WHEREAS, Jeri has much pride, love and respect for her community and township. She has been a member of many civic organizations such as the Maywood Human Relations Committee, St. James School Board member, Maywood Finance Committee and The Oak Parks Visitors & Tourism Board. She is a current member of Senator Kimberly Lightford’s Women’s Committee, current President of the Maywood Historical Society, and is the Curator of the West Town Museum of Cultural History, a position she has held for 26 years; and
WHEREAS, Inside Jeri’s home you will find many awards and recognition certificates for local and state level outstanding service and achievements. She was nominated by Senator Kimberly Lightford and presented with an award from “Age Options” for her community service and dedication in her work with seniors; and
WHEREAS, In the year 2000, on the statewide level, was she nominated by Mrs. Northica H. Stone, West Town Museum Founder; and received the “Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award” and Medal. These awards were presented to Jeri by the Illinois Humanities Council for her excellent research in discovering the existence of the “Ten Mile Freedom House” in Maywood, which was a stop on the historical Underground Railroad during slavery. This educational and commemorative piece of history, can be explored by all who stop by the site at 1st Ave. and Lake Street in the Village of Maywood; and
WHEREAS, In January 2018, Operation Uplift Inc awarded Mrs. Stenson the Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs Lifetime Achievement Award for her for her lifetime contribution to preserving the history within Proviso Township. It was presented to her by Perri Irmer, President of the DuSable Black History Museum and Educational Center; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Jeri maintained her compassion and dedication for service to other by working as a SEEP employee at the Proviso Township main office. She maintained this position until her health began to wane in 2021. Mrs. Stenson passed away on September 20, 2022 at the age of 90 years young; and
WHEREAS, Her trailblazing contributions and dedication for service to others is a journey well taken and the her legacy and spirit will be passed on to future generations to come; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Laurietta “Jeri” Stenson; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Mrs. Laurietta “Jeri” Stenson as a sign of our honor and respect.
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