RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Chicago's twin neighborhood stalwarts Maureen Roche Kennedy and Sister Josephine Roche, B.V.M., celebrated their 90th birthdays on June 19th, 2015; and
WHEREAS, This cause for celebration has been brought to the attention of this esteemed body by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Maureen and Josephine were born on Chicago's South Side to Irish immigrant parents Tom and Mary Kate Roche and before the age of one relocated to the north side of Chicago where Maureen has lived 89 of her 90 years, while Sister Josephine joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary nearly 67 years ago, engaging in work which took her around the world, Ward; and
WHEREAS, Maureen and Josephine both graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School, Immaculata High School, and Mundelein College. Starting in grammar school, Maureen played violin while her twin, Josephine played piano and they continued with their music in the high school orchestra. The young women also enjoyed friendly competition by playing basketball, as well; and
WHEREAS, 1948 was a big year for the family, as Maureen married her husband Terry Kennedy, whom she had met while obtaining her Master's Degree in Mathematics from Loyola University Chicago, and Josephine moved to Iowa and entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and
WHEREAS, Sister Josephine's work in the ministry has continued for nearly 67 years, 32 of which were spent teaching elementary and high school in Wisconsin, Iowa, California, Kansas, before returning home to Chicago where she began teaching at The Immaculata and Alvermia High School. During this time, she traveled to Mexico for two summers to study Spanish. Her final teaching position was with Loyola University Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Josephine continues serving on the Board of Directors of the Immaculata Alumnae Association, where she has served for 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Maureen joined Monsignor Ignat...
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