IL HR1352

Mary Lou Cowlishaw, former Illinois House Representative for the 41st District, died on June 23, 2010 at age 78.

Served as school board member for Naperville Unit District 203 beginning in 1972 before being elected to the Illinois House in 1983, where she served for 2 decades.

Sponsored major education legislation including the Education for Homeless Children Act and championed Chicago school reform and charter schools programs that became models statewide and nationally.

Instrumental in creating the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, which admits about 250 gifted students annually and is frequently ranked among America's best high schools.

After retiring from the General Assembly, became an adjunct professor of education at North Central College to continue advancing educational excellence for Illinois youth.