IL SR2372

Mary Elizabeth (Kerwin) White of River Forest passed away on June 2, 2016, and the Illinois Senate mourns her passing.

Mary White was born April 3, 1923, and was the mother of 11 children; she pioneered breastfeeding advocacy during a time when public breastfeeding was considered taboo.

Co-founded La Leche League in October 1956 with six other mothers at her Franklin Park home; the organization grew from 20 members to millions of women in over 70 countries.

Co-authored "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" which sold two million copies and is in its eighth edition.

Mary White is survived by 7 daughters, 3 sons, 61 grandchildren, 110 great-grandchildren, and fellow La Leche League founders Marian Thompson and Mary Ann Kerwin.