RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His infinite Wisdom has called Renee Jishyo &fj Blixt-Shehan to her eternal reward; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Marty Quinn, Alderman ofthe 13th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Renee Jishyo Blixt-Shehan, 53, of Chicago, passed away on April 7th, 2021 at her home; and
WHEREAS, Renee was born in Elmhurst, Illinois on March 16,1968. Renee went to Bishop Noll High School in Indiana. Renee married William Seiyo Sheehan on December 29, 2002, seaside in Monterrey, California. She graduated from Purdue University and Krannert Business with her M.B.A; and
WHERAS, Her first job was as head organist for a Catholic Church at the age of 14, and then at 15, she was an organist for a Methodist Church. That same year, she added working at the local library. Besides working several jobs, Renee was in the top three in her class and was awarded a full scholarship to college. Renee worked hard to succeed and was top in her class with only one "B" the whole time; and
WHERAS, Renee never wanted to work for anyone other than herself. She was a college instructor, touring musician, bookstore owner, private tutor, studio musician, recorded audio books, accountant, fiber artist and amazing vocalist. While she was not a veteran, she volunteered at the local Veterans Women's Clinic in support of all the Veterans Administration had done for her husband William; and
WHEREAS, Renee was a ranked, Honka Shuuryou, (black belt) by the Japanese Temari Association, a Master Crocheter and Knitter, Sensei (instructor) at the Japanese Culture Center in Amigurumi, Fiber Arts and other various arts; and
WHEREAS, At age 17, Renee, took the M.E.N.S.A test. She was interviewed by the local paper afterwards; when asked, "How did you do?" she responded, "I am sure I passed I do well on tests." This was in true Renee spirit. She never doubted her ability and if she did, she studied until she mastered the subject: One story that illustrates what happened when Renee could not master the subject. One day she went into the school on Michigan Ave to pick up something. When she came out, she saw a ticket on her windshield. At the time,
she was driving her husband's work truck, so she grabbed a Saws-All and cut the sign down saying "If I've got to pay the ticket then I want something to show for it." Mind you, she was getting ready to go perform with her band, so she was dressed in high-heels and a skirt...dressed to impress. Her family still has that sign; and
WHEREAS, Renee may have seemed tough but her Buddhist name, Jishyo $Sfi8 means one who is compassionate to everyone. She loved deeply and this has been evident by the outpouring of compassion by so many people to her surviving family. Renee is survived by her husband William Seiyo Shehan, daughters, Mia and Ava and her cats, dogs, and fish; and
WHEREAS, Renee Jishyo Blixt-Shehan leaves a legacy of faith, dignity, compassion and love; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members ofthe Chicago City Council gathered here this twenty-sixth day of May, 2021, do hereby express our sorrow on the death Renee Jishyo iS&f!S Blixt-Shehan and extend to her family and friends our deepest sympathy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Renee Jishyo Blixt-Shehan.
