title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF COMMISSIONER MARY MIX MCDONALD
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Mary Mix McDonald from our midst; and
WHEREAS, Mary Mix McDonald led a rich and full life dedicated to her family and public service; and
WHEREAS, Mary Mix McDonald was the first Republican woman elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners and served from 1974 to 1994; and
WHEREAS, Mary Mix McDonald was from Lincolnwood, representing suburban Cook County at a time when Commissioners served at large; and
WHEREAS, Mary Mix McDonald left a lasting legacy championing healthcare for low-income suburban women; pushing for a new Cook County Hospital; urging changes to Cook County Jail; and supporting the Chicago Botanic Garden and Brookfield Zoo; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure Mary Mix McDonald served as the Chair of the Botanic Garden Committee and helped raise money and support for the Garden to annex a 100-acre oak woodland, later named in her honor; and
WHEREAS, Mary Mix McDonald was known for her problem-solving skills and her ability to work with everyone no matter what their background or party affiliation; and
WHEREAS, Mary Mix McDonald authored a number of Cook County ordinances that were used as models of legislation throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, Mary Mix McDonald went on to serve on the Regional Transportation Authority board from 1995 to 2007 using her unique skills to help shape transit; and
WHEREAS, Mary Mix McDonald is survived by daughters Elizabeth McDonald Wakeman and Sandra McDonald Jones, and son Gerald Owen McDonald, Jr. as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Cook County Forest Preserve does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of Mary Mix McDonald, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of Mary Mix McDonald, that her memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
end