MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of Joan S. Troka (nee Strickland), on March 1, 2014, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of her passing by The Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, loving mother of Beth Atkins (C.P.D) (Michael Russell), Catherine (Robert Cerone, Margaret (Honorable Michael) Hogan and the late Jim Troka. Devoted grandmother of Amy O'Connor, Eileen (Dan) O'Reilly, Patrick, Mary Claire, Elizabeth and Daniel Cerone, Jordan (Ben) McGee, Michael "Mick" and Bridget leronimo. Dearest great grandmother of Brendan, Declan and Kathleen O'Connor, Grayson McGee and Finnbar O'Reilly. Dear daughter of the late George and Vivian Finley Strickland. Preceded in death by her brothers, James, George and twin, John. Cherished by many cousins in Ireland, nieces, nephews and Godchildren; Joan leaves a legacy of faith, dignity and love; and
WHEREAS, a kind and familiar presence in her community of Sauganash for 55 years, Joan was remembered as a loving caretaker to not just her own children but the young people of the neighborhood, a kindhearted and gentle mentor to many; and
WHEREAS, admired by friends and family for her ability to bring people together, Joan was an effervescent personality involved in many different neighborhood organizations. As chartered member and past president of the Sauganash Garden Club, Joan delighted in the beautification of her community. A participant and former secretary for many years at Queen of All Saints Basilica Rectory and a member of the Sauganash Women's Club, Joan's influential presence was felt in many corners of her community; and
WHEREAS, Joan was respected as a woman of grace, generosity, and loyalty. She 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 second day of April 2014, do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Joan S. Troka and express to her family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
MARGARET LAURINO Alderman, 39th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Joan S. Troka as a token of our honor, gratitude, and respect.