IL SR0888

Former State Representative Mary Lou Cowlishaw, who represented the 41st District from 1983 to 2003, passed away on June 23, 2010.

Sponsored major education legislation including Chicago School Reform (adopted as a national model), the Education for Homeless Children Act, and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

Served on the Naperville District 203 Board of Education from 1972-1983 and was a member of multiple legislative committees including Elementary and Secondary Education, Public Utilities, Mental Health, and Higher Education Appropriations.

Received numerous awards including the Illinois Press Association's first place investigative reporting award in 1981 and four "Golden Apple" awards from the Illinois Association of School Boards; an elementary school in Indian Prairie School District 204 was named in her honor in 1997.

The Illinois Senate adopted this resolution to mourn her passing and express sympathy to her family and constituents.