Bill Text: IL SR1226 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of Lauren M. Engelke-Smith of Springfield.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2024-11-13 - Resolution Adopted [SR1226 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR1226-Introduced.html

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SR1226 LRB103 42669 LAW 75902 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of Lauren M. Engelke-Smith of
Springfield, who passed away on September 16, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith, the daughter of Thomas W.
and Evelyn (Wilson) Engelke, was born on June 8, 1978; she
graduated from Queen Anne's Country High School in Maryland in
1996; she earned her bachelor's degree from Wesley College in
Delaware and later her master's degree from the University of
Illinois Springfield; she married James Aaron Smith in Worton,
Maryland on May 24, 2003; and
WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith served as a special
education teacher for both Springfield Public Schools District
186 and Ball-Chatham Community Unit School District 5, among
others, for almost two decades, as well as an assistant Pre-K
principal at Beardstown; she was noted for creating a
nurturing environment in her classroom, where each child felt
valued and understood; she celebrated every small victory with
enthusiasm and encouragement and fostered every student's
confidence, both academically and socially; she also served as
an advocate for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for her
students and supported parents through the process; and

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WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith was a collaborator on the
book, Embracing the Impact of Cancer: Inspirational Stories of
Hope; and
WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith enjoyed writing, kayaking,
and sitting outside in the sun; she also held a passion for
haunted houses and paranormal activities, and she was active
with her church; and
WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith was known for her warm
smile, her open heart, and her sense of humor; she will be
remembered as an extraordinary educator whose commitment to
her students left a lasting impact on countless lives; and
WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith was preceded in death by her
father; her paternal grandparents, Harry and Marion Engelke;
her maternal grandparents, George and Bernice Wilson; and her
grandfathers-in-law, James Oliver Smith and Clarence Drew; and
WHEREAS, Lauren Engelke-Smith is survived by her mother;
her husband, Aaron; her sons, Gabriel and Xavier Smith; her
daughter, Ebby Smith; her siblings, Charlene Schimmel and Tony
Engelke; her in-laws, Sandra and Rickey Kluck; her
grandmothers-in-law, Frances Drew and Nina Smith; her dogs,
Skylar and Molly; her cats, Church, Ripley, Freya, and Marcy;
and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins;

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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
Lauren M. Engelke-Smith and extend our sincere condolences to
her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it
further