RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Barbara Turf has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 71; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Turf was the retired Chief Executive Officer of Crate & Barrel and the loving wife of 40 years of Dr. Robert; and
WHEREAS, A woman of dignity, grace and charm, Barbara Turf was the much-adored mother of Ryan, Andrew and Anne and the beloved grandmother of two; and
WHEREAS, Born into an Italian immigrant family and raised near 24th street and Oakley Avenue in Chicago, Barbara Turf was the daughter of Angelo and Philomena Dorini; and
WHEREAS, As the head of Crate & Barrel, Barbara Turf had a flair for design that greatly influenced how Americans furnish their homes; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Turf started working part-time for Crate & Barrel in 1966 at its original store in the Old Town neighborhood after graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in education; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Turf was persuaded by the company's founder to leave teaching and pursue a career with Crate & Barrel; and
WHEREAS, Rising through the store's ranks, Barbara Turf was named manager of the Wilmette location in 1969 and opened a new store in Oak Brook in 1971; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Turf was named President of Carte & Barrel in 1986 and Chief Executive Officer in 2008; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure, Barbara Turf spearheaded the launch of CB2, its home furnishings division in 2000, and Land of Nod, the children's retailer, in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Following 40 years of a distinguished career, Barbara Turf retired from Crate & Barrel in 2008; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Barbara Turf serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Her love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Barbara Turf to her family members, friends and all who knew her, and enabled her to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Turf will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To her beloved family, Barbara Turf imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirtieth day of July, 2014, do hereby commemorate Barbara Turf for her grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to her family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Barbara Turf.
Alderman - 14th Ward