RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Janet S. Otwell has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Evanston, Janet S. Otwell was a former leader of a state agency and the loving wife of Ralph; and
WHEREAS, Janet S. Otwell was the much-adored mother of the Honorable Brian, Douglas and David, the grandmother of five and the great-grandmother of one; and
WHEREAS, Raised in suburban Philadelphia, Janet S. Otwell came to the Chicago area to attend Northwestern University where she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism; and
WHEREAS, While attending college, Janet S. Otwell met her future husband who became Editor of the Chicago-Sun-Times; and
WHEREAS, Janet S. Otwell and her family lived in Evanston for more than three decades; and
WHEREAS, From 1968 to 1982, Janet S. Otwell was a member of the Illinois League of Women Voters; and
WHEREAS, As President of the organization, Janet S. Otwell spearheaded efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and directed the Illinois Juvenile Court Watchdog Project; and
WHEREAS, Beginning in 1984, Janet S. Otwell served for seven years as the Director of the Illinois Department on Aging under Governor James R. Thompson and in that role championed efforts to fight elder abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, Janet S. Otwell was later named the Midwest Director for AARP where she oversaw activities in ten regional states; and
WHEREAS, Janet S. Otwell was a member of the Task Force on the Future of Illinois, the Bureau of Employment Security Advisory Board and the White House Conference on Families; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Janet S. Otwell serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Janet S. Otwell will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To her beloved family, Janet S. Otwell impart...
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