RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte 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 Chicago Public Schools teacher who was active in civic and business affairs, Barbara Boutte was the loving wife of the late Alvin; and
WHEREAS, A native of Alexandria, Louisiana, the former Barbara Gonzaque married her future husband while she was attending St. Xavier University in New Orleans; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte led an accomplished life and resided for many years in Chicago and Hazel Crest; and
WHEREAS, Along with her husband, Barbara Boutte established a chain of stores called Independent Drug Stores Inc., and later founded Independence Bank; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte became a Chicago Public Schools teacher in her late 40s and for many years taught music and art; and
WHEREAS, Among her many civic endeavors, Barbara Boutte was a benefactor of the Lyric Opera of Chicago as a member of the Bravo Chapter, a group of African-American women who provided financial support; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte was also active in the United Negro College Fund and the Women's Auxiliary of Provident Hospital; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Barbara Boutte serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, To her sons, Alvin Jr. and Gregory, her daughters, Janice and Jeanette, her seven grandchildren and her five great-grandchildren, Barbara Boutte 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 sixth day of September, 2017, do hereby commemorate Barbara Boutte 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 Boutte.
