MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR VICTORIA SCHOOLER-RAINEY
WHEREAS, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom has called Victoria Schooler-Rainey, most beloved citizen, to her eternal reward on March 15, 2019, at the age of seventy-eight; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman ofthe 34th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Government Operations; and
WHEREAS, Victoria was born on May 4, 1940 in the state of Mississippi where she lived and worked on a sharecropper's farm for years; and
WHEREAS, Victoria along with her siblings moved to Chicago as part of what was called "The Great Migration", that brought thousands of African Americans from the south to the city, taking up residence on the west side where many of her relatives also eventually settled; and
WHEREAS, While in Chicago, Victoria met and married Johnny Rainey and together they brought into this world eight wonderful children, including one very special adopted son; and
WHEREAS, As the Rainey family grew, they decided to move in 1971 to Chicago's south side, taking residence in the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Victoria was a very loving, nurturing, and compassionate person who cared deeply for her own family, and also extended the same caring and kindness to those in her community, earning her the name "Queen Victoria of 110th Street", a mother to all; and
WHEREAS, Victoria's generosity took many forms. She would share her wisdom and encouragement whenever she was asked questions or advice; fed many who were hungry; and, always gave shelter to those in need of a place to stay; and
WHEREAS, Victoria was an advocate for education and instilled in her own children, and many of the young people she met throughout her life, a love for learning and a constant striving for excellence; and
WHEREAS, Victoria leaves to cherish her memories; her beloved family and friends, many of whom were at her side when she made her transition; and
WHEREAS, Victoria will be deeply missed, but the memory of her wisdom, fervor, compassion, and generosity 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 tenth day of April, 2019, do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Victoria Schooler-Rainey and express to her family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Victoria Schooler-Rainey.