State House honors late Rep. Rosemary Mulligan
The late state Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, who represented Des Plaines for 20 years, was honored on the House floor Thursday.
Mulligan died late last year at age 73.
"She never, ever lost sight of why she came to Springfield," said state Rep. Patti Bellock, a Hinsdale Republican. "She came to be a voice and an advocate for children, the disabled, the elderly, women, improving access to quality health care in the state of Illinois."
Mulligan began serving in the Illinois House in 1993 after a highly contested race for the position that ended in a recount. The recount landed Mulligan in the House where she served until 2013.
Many lawmakers remembered Mulligan as a woman who was not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for the rights of women, the gay community and Illinois' most vulnerable residents.
"She wasn't afraid to challenge anyone, and despite her toughness, Rosemary was extremely compassionate and wanted to help others," said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, a Western Springs Republican.
Many also remembered Mulligan's sense of humor and the tenacity with which she worked.
"She was knowledgeable, feisty and a great wingman," said Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, a Chicago Democrat who served on a budget committee with Mulligan for 10 years.
Mulligan's brother Steve and his wife, Marilyn Granzyk, were there. Barbara Hague, Mulligan's former legislative aide, was also present.