RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, in His infinite wisdom, Almighty God has granted eternal peace to Diana Silvius Gits, an outstanding business owner in the 27th Ward; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of her passing by The Honorable Walter Burnett, Jr., Alderman ofthe 27th Ward; and
WHEREAS, a Detroit native born on July 28, 1934, Diana Silvius Gits was a diamond in the rough, the rough was Old town in the 60's and 70's, and the diamond is Diana's heart, passion and business mind; and
WHEREAS, she married Gerald B. Gits in 1958, a marriage that lasted for 36 years. Four children- Linda, the late Jeanine (1961-1999), Matilda, and the late Baby Diana (1970-1971); and
WHEREAS, Diana opened Gerald Bernard Gallery at 205 West North Avenue, in 1963. She expanded in 1965 to Burton and Wells Street, and named it the Up Down Shop. Diana focused on the tobacco industry and involvement in the RTDA, (Retail Tobacco Dealers of America). Being the first woman to break the ranks of a male dominated industry, and in 1991 she became the First Female President. Diana later purchased the lot at 1550 North Wells Street and is now the current location of Up Down Tobacco; and
WHEREAS, in 1988 she and the Fuente Family created her own line of cigars, Diana Silvius Diamond Selection, which continues to sell internationally. Diana was indeed a dynamic woman. She was a founding member of Old Town Merchants & Residents Association. Diana balanced her business endeavors with her focus on loving and supporting her family. Her business was truly a family business, with all of her daughters, working with her at various times in their lives. Although she will be deeply missed, the memory of her character will live on in those who knew and loved her; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council, gathered together this sixteenth day of March, 2016, do hereby express our sincerest sorrow upon learning of the passing of Diana Silvius Gits and extend our deepest condolence to her family and loved ones.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Diana Silvius Gits.
Walter Burnett, Jr. Alderman, 27th Ward