Alderman Michele Smith 10/16/2019
, Peggy Barber and Tom O'Rourke
WHEREAS, Margaret "Peggy" Barber and Tom "Cowboy" O'Rourke were the exemplar of good neighbors on their block: Peggy, worked for the Chicago-based American Library Association for over 30 years until opening her own consultant firm ; and,
WHEREAS, beauty of his world.
Tom was a celebrated Photographer, whose images captured the simplicity and daily life in what he saw in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood, Chicago, and the
WHEREAS, Peggy and Tom are lived Donna; son, Mike; Peggy's brother.
red on through their daughters Betsy/Haley, Kate, Rose, and , Gary; and 13 grandchildren^' - Af'-*-'- ^:,C^j-.^\i'.r^'
WHEREAS, they are also lived on through the children lucky enough to grow up on their block on Fremont Street.
WHEREAS, Peggy and Tom would bring the magic of the North Pole to their street in the form of a 'Santa's List' that was hung up oh their window, which included every single child on the block's name; and,
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WHEREAS, Peggy and Tom were always known for their vivacious personalities, big hearts, and warm smiles that helped the block build the bridge between simply being neighbors, to developing life-long friendships.
WHEREAS, professionally, Peggy-described by the previous CEO of the American Library , Association, Robert Wedgeworth-revolutionized how Libraries across:the country promote their services through National Library Week, and annual communications audits; and,
they hold; he overbearing same; and,
WHEREAS, Peggy's life centered around the transformative power that libraries and the works .,
colleague Art Plotnik put it best, "Her style was from the heart-never false or and her career was one of action, not just words," and her goals always stayed the
WHEREAS, the Lincoln libraries.
Park
bm was by Peggy's side through it all, focusing on displaying his photography of community at local businesses, and sometimes even at Peggy's beloved
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just the Linco
WHEREAS, While Tom and Peggy will be dearly missed, the irnpag;^ttgit^ey^p^ej|ja^|jg.n not
ri Park community, but of all of Chicago and beyond will continue on; and
sincerely thank they've touched
ar^htmfnTt^f ir"e themfortheir con^utions to our community, and to
ank them for the legacy they've left, the memories we will cherish, and the people I with their generosity and kindness.
BE IT RESOLVED, That Alderman Michele Smith, and we, The City Council of the City of Chicago prpcla.m this,Reso.ution in honor of Peggy Barber and Tom O'Rourk Jt*Z L will forever be missed, celebrated, and lived on by others.
BE IT FUR" Barber and
rrnmRnRpS°uLVE?' That suitable C0P^ of this resolution are presented to Peggy Tom O Rourke s family members as a sign of our respect and gratitude.