RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Betty Ford has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of ninety-three; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Born in Chicago, Betty Ford was the loving and devoted wife of the late President Gerald R. Ford; and
WHEREAS, Betty Ford was the much-adored mother of Michael, Jack, Steven, and Susan and the beloved grandmother of seven; and
WHEREAS, During her role as First Lady, Betty Ford was largely responsible for creating one of the most respected substance abuse clinics in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Betty Ford exuded courage, not only in surviving cancer and overcoming addiction, but by sharing her struggles with America and the world; and
WHEREAS, The Betty Ford Center opened its doors in 1982, and Betty Ford remained active in its operations until her death; and
WHEREAS, A former dancer and model, Betty Ford married President Gerald R. Ford in 1948, shortly before his first congressional victory; and
WHEREAS, Betty Ford became First Lady in 1974, bringing an air of fun and informality to the White House; and
WHEREAS, Betty Ford was a lifelong supporter of feminist issues, including reproductive rights and the Equal Rights Amendment; and
WHEREAS, A woman of dignity, grace and charm, Betty Ford will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her many relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, To her beloved family, Betty Ford 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 twenty-eighth day of July, 2011, do hereby commemorate Betty Ford 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 Betty Ford.
Iderman - 14th Ward
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