MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of Joan B. Meyer nee Vukovitz on February 21, 2017 at the age of eighty-six; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 18, 1931, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and the late Anna nee Bogovic, who immigrated to Chicago from a small Croatian enclave outside of Vienna, Austria. She was the devoted mother of the late Constance, Bill (Gina) and John; cherished grandmother of Grant and Grace; loving sister of Martina, Ann and Frank; fond aunt to many nieces and nephews and treasured friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, Joan leaves a legacy of faith, dignity and love; and
WHEREAS, Joan attended St. Gertrude Elementary School where she found solace after losing her mother at an early age. The nuns took Joan under their wings, mentoring her and offering spiritual guidance. In Sullivan High School, Joan was active in dance and choir; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after graduating from high school, Joan met and married the love of her life, William A. "Willie" Meyer. They were blessed with three beautiful children. Joan was an active parent in scouting and in programs for young John, who contracted spinal meningitis and survived but became mentally and physical disabled. With her two eldest children in high school and John enrolled in day programs at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago, Joan sought and gained employment; and
WHEREAS, Joan's career began at Mary Mapes Dodge Public School as a truancy officer, she later accepted a position as Executive Assistant to the Principal. After seven years, she transferred to Minnie Mars Jamieson Elementary School and retired in 2001. Her 35 year of service with CPS was incredibly gratifying to Joan. Because of her commitment and dedication to staff and students, "The Joan Meyer Service Award" was created to honor her legacy; and
WHEREAS, Since 1955, Joan had been a member of St. Hilary's Parish. She was involved with the Mother's Club, loved singing in the choir, served as Eucharistic Minister and lecturer. Joan joined the Theatrical Society and Little Flower Circle, where she served in both organizations as President and led fundraising campaigns for many years. In 2005, Little Flower Circle, Inc. honored Joan as "Woman of the Year;" and
WHEREAS, After years of sacrifice and determination, their son, John, was accepted to live at Misericordia Heart of Mercy on Chicago's great northwest side. Joan engaged herself and was an active member of the Misericordia Family Association, where she became involved in fundraising and volunteering; and
WHEREAS, Joan loved entertaining in her home, fine dining, wonderful music, dancing, old movies, gardening and travel. She was actively vigorous, a spark plug, tenacious, indomitable, talented, exacting, dedicated, devout, loving and inspiring; and
WHEREAS, She was a vital member of her community who touched the lives of all who knew her through her kindness, generosity and spirit. Joan will be deeply missed, but the memory of her character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved her; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this twenty-ninth day of March, 2017, do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Joan B. Meyer and express to her family and friends our deepest sympathy.
MARGARET LAURINO Alderman, 39lh Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Joan B. Meyer as a token of our honor, gratitude, and respect.
