RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Maria Tallchief has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of eighty-eight; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Maria Tallchief was an internationally acclaimed ballerina and the loving wife of the late Henry D. Paschen, Jr; and
WHEREAS, Maria Tallchief was the much-adored mother of Elise M. and the grandmother of two; and
WHEREAS, Born Elizabeth Maria Tallchief in Fairfax, Oklahoma, the dancer was a proud member of the Osage tribe; and
WHEREAS, A leading figure in 20th Century dance, Maria Tallchief s career spanned from 1942 to 1965; and
WHEREAS, Renowned for her passion and artistic flair, Maria Tallchief performed with leading dance companies, including the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the New York City Ballet; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from the stage, Maria Tallchief served as Director ofthe Chicago Lyric Opera Ballet from 1973 to 1979; and
WHEREAS, In 1981 Maria Tallchief co-founded the Chicago City Ballet and served as its Artistic Director until 1987; and
WHEREAS, From 1990 to 2013, Maria Tallchief was the honorary-artistic adviser to the Chicago Festival Ballet; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Maria Tallchief serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, A woman of dignity, grace and charm, Maria Tallchief will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To her beloved family, Maria Tallchief 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 eighth day of May, 2013, do hereby commemorate Maria Tallchief 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 Maria Tallchief.