I knew her and liked her very much.
Past Grand President and member of Daughters of Penelope Oedipus #203, of Waukegan, Illinois.
Excepts from press release:
General Assembly: Senator Geo-Karis was the first senator in seniority in the Illinois State and the first woman to hold the position as Dean of the Senate, having served the 31st District since 1979. The first woman in Illinois history ever to serve in Senate leadership, she served for 10 years as Assistant Senate Majority Leader from 1993 to 2003. She also previously served six years in the House of Representatives.
Before leaving office, the Senator was Co-Chairman of the Senate Executive Appointments Committee and served as a member of the Financial Institutions Committee and Legislative Reference Bureau.
Senator Geo-Karis is the first Lake County woman ever elected to the Senate and House, was the first Lake County woman appointed as Assistant State's Attorney and was the first woman elected as Justice of the Peace in Lake County. Senator Geo-Karis is also the former Mayor of Zion.
Senator Geo-Karis is currently a Republican precinct committeewoman and was just reelected to that position on February 5, 2008. She served as Parliamentarian for the Lake County Republican Central Committee for many years and as Co-Chairman.
Senator Geo-Karis was elected as a delegate to the 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2004 National Republican Conventions and served as secretary to the Illinois Delegation. Senator Geo-Karis was elected as an Alternate Delegate to the 1992 National Republican Convention.
After her loss in the primary election of March of 2006, she continued to serve her constituents until her term expired in January of 2007.
Legislative Accomplishments: Senator Geo-Karis pioneered legislation on gasohol, solar energy and other alternative energy resources years before it became popular to do so. She successfully sponsored and supported bills for strong crime control and to benefit senior citizens, youth, armed forces veterans, people with disabilities and the working majority. The Senator has been cited for her sponsorship of the Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act, the Alternative Energy Act, and many laws to increase safety on Illinois lakes. Senator Geo-Karis was also a sponsor of the "Guilty But Mentally Ill" law, successfully sponsored the repeal of the Illinois Inheritance Tax and successfully cosponsored the Lottery Ticket to benefit Veterans.
Community Involvement: American Legion Lake County Women's Post #1122; AmVets Little Fort Chapter 35; OES Milburn Chapter #570; American Association of University Women; Altrusa Club; Zion Chamber of Commerce; Zion Club; Daughters of Penelope; American Businesswomen; Antioch Women's Club. Lifetime member of the Navy League.
Professional Experience: Former State Representative (1972-1978). Former State Senator (1979 to 2007). Headed her own law firm in Zion. Former Mayor of Zion. Former municipal attorney for Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Libertyville Township and Long Grove School District. Former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves.
AWARDS: Recently named in her honor is the Adeline J. Geo-Karis State Beach Park along with a park in Gurnee.
The Adeline Geo-Karis Leadership Award at Zion-Benton High School was named for her with annual scholarships to be donated beginning in 2001. Zion METRA Train Station named after her. Park in Beach Park named after her.
2004 Honorary Member of the Marine Corps League; 2003 Friend of Consumer Award, Illinois Coalition for Competitive Telecommunications; 2003 AARP American Spirit Award, AARP Foundation; 2003 Congratulatory Resolution, Warren Township, 2003 Certificate of Recognition, Winthrop Harbor Fire Department; 2003 Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, Waukegan Elks Lodge #702; 2002 Special Achievement Award, GLMV Chamber of Commerce; 2002 Carnation Award, AARP; 2002 Friend of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau; 2002 Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Political Leadership, Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka; 2002 Appreciation Award, Order of AHEPA, Blue Ribbon District 13; 2001 Outstanding Advocate on Behalf of Low Income Families resulting in passage of Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit by the Make Work Pay Coalition; 2000 Outstanding Public Service Award, DePaul University College of Law Alumni; Primary Health Care Association Award; 2000 Liberty Bell Award, 19th Judicial Circuit; 2000 American Legion Certificate of Appreciation; 1999 Veteran of the Year, American GI Forum; 1999 Child Care Coalition Award; 1999 Legislator of the Year, Illinois Association of County Officials: 1998 Friend of Business LUCI (Leading Us in Commerce and Industry) Award; Hellenic American Achievement Award; North Shore D.A.R. Americanism Medal; Daughters of Penelope Woman of the Year; Illinois Federation of Independent Colleges and Universities Outstanding Legislator; Illinois Association of Park Districts Award; Jane Addams Leadership Award, 1995 Appreciation Award by the Kiley Center and Rehabilitation; NAACP Award from North Chicago Chapter; YWCA of Lake County Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government; 1992 Illinois State Bar Association 50 Years of Dedicated Service Award; United Hellenic Voters of America Most Distinguished American of Greek Ethnic Origin in the Field of Government; Illinois Hospital Association Award Outstanding Legislator; Community Dedication Award, Medical Staff of St. Therese Hospital; Illinois Women's Political Caucus Carrie Chapman Catt Award; Excellence in Leadership by Public Guardian for Children in Illinois; Greater Waukegan Israel Bond Rally Honoree; Illinois State's Attorneys Legislative Award; Military Order of the Purple Heart Award; Midwestern Regional Medical Center Award, past Grand National President, Daughters of Penelope/Order of AHEPA.
Personal: Born in Tegeas, Greece on March 29, 1918. Immigrated to the United States in 1922 and was educated in the United States. Attended and graduated from Northwestern University. Attended and graduated from DePaul University Law School. Served as Lt. Commander with Top Secret Clearance in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Waukegan, past president of its Parish Board of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary and former choir director. No children.
Senator Geo-Karis is survived by extended family and friends.
--From the official press release from her law office.
Senator Adeline Jay Geo-Karis, retired State Senator of Illinois, 31st Legislative District and Attorney. Veteran WWII Lt. Commander U.S. Navy. Former Mayor of Zion, IL served in the Illinois House of Representatives, former Lake County Assistant State's Attorney and Justice of the Peace in Lake County. Sen. Geo-Karis was the devoted daughter of the late John and Theofani Geokaris; dear sister of the late Alexander Karis, Nicholas Geokaris and Toula Colis; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews and their families. Sen. Geo-Karis was a past president of the parish council of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Waukegan, IL. Visitation Friday, Feb. 15th. from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center located at the Adeline Jay Geo-Karis State Park, #1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL, 60099. Family and friends will meet Saturday morning, Feb. 16th. at the Conference Center in the Grand Vista Ballroom for visitation from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 10 a.m. A luncheon followed immediately after the Funeral Service. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, IL. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial donations to The Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Leadership Award, created at Zion-Benton Township High School in living memory due to the contributions from members of the Illinois State Senate both Republican and Democratic to honor Senator Geo-Karis' years of public service. All proceeds are given to graduating seniors who have exemplified leadership, character, and scholarship. Also, donations may be made to the District 13 Daughters of Penelope Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 5367, River Forest, IL 60305-5367, for which she served as Grand President from 1953-1955 or to The St. Demetrios Church Waukegan Building Fund, 1400 S. O'Plaine Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085. Arrangements by John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. c/o Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home.
Published in the Chicago Tribune on 2/13/2008.
Past Grand President and member of Daughters of Penelope Oedipus #203, of Waukegan, Illinois.
Excepts from press release:
General Assembly: Senator Geo-Karis was the first senator in seniority in the Illinois State and the first woman to hold the position as Dean of the Senate, having served the 31st District since 1979. The first woman in Illinois history ever to serve in Senate leadership, she served for 10 years as Assistant Senate Majority Leader from 1993 to 2003. She also previously served six years in the House of Representatives.
Before leaving office, the Senator was Co-Chairman of the Senate Executive Appointments Committee and served as a member of the Financial Institutions Committee and Legislative Reference Bureau.
Senator Geo-Karis is the first Lake County woman ever elected to the Senate and House, was the first Lake County woman appointed as Assistant State's Attorney and was the first woman elected as Justice of the Peace in Lake County. Senator Geo-Karis is also the former Mayor of Zion.
Senator Geo-Karis is currently a Republican precinct committeewoman and was just reelected to that position on February 5, 2008. She served as Parliamentarian for the Lake County Republican Central Committee for many years and as Co-Chairman.
Senator Geo-Karis was elected as a delegate to the 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2004 National Republican Conventions and served as secretary to the Illinois Delegation. Senator Geo-Karis was elected as an Alternate Delegate to the 1992 National Republican Convention.
After her loss in the primary election of March of 2006, she continued to serve her constituents until her term expired in January of 2007.
Legislative Accomplishments: Senator Geo-Karis pioneered legislation on gasohol, solar energy and other alternative energy resources years before it became popular to do so. She successfully sponsored and supported bills for strong crime control and to benefit senior citizens, youth, armed forces veterans, people with disabilities and the working majority. The Senator has been cited for her sponsorship of the Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act, the Alternative Energy Act, and many laws to increase safety on Illinois lakes. Senator Geo-Karis was also a sponsor of the "Guilty But Mentally Ill" law, successfully sponsored the repeal of the Illinois Inheritance Tax and successfully cosponsored the Lottery Ticket to benefit Veterans.
Community Involvement: American Legion Lake County Women's Post #1122; AmVets Little Fort Chapter 35; OES Milburn Chapter #570; American Association of University Women; Altrusa Club; Zion Chamber of Commerce; Zion Club; Daughters of Penelope; American Businesswomen; Antioch Women's Club. Lifetime member of the Navy League.
Professional Experience: Former State Representative (1972-1978). Former State Senator (1979 to 2007). Headed her own law firm in Zion. Former Mayor of Zion. Former municipal attorney for Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Libertyville Township and Long Grove School District. Former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves.
AWARDS: Recently named in her honor is the Adeline J. Geo-Karis State Beach Park along with a park in Gurnee.
The Adeline Geo-Karis Leadership Award at Zion-Benton High School was named for her with annual scholarships to be donated beginning in 2001. Zion METRA Train Station named after her. Park in Beach Park named after her.
2004 Honorary Member of the Marine Corps League; 2003 Friend of Consumer Award, Illinois Coalition for Competitive Telecommunications; 2003 AARP American Spirit Award, AARP Foundation; 2003 Congratulatory Resolution, Warren Township, 2003 Certificate of Recognition, Winthrop Harbor Fire Department; 2003 Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, Waukegan Elks Lodge #702; 2002 Special Achievement Award, GLMV Chamber of Commerce; 2002 Carnation Award, AARP; 2002 Friend of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau; 2002 Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Political Leadership, Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka; 2002 Appreciation Award, Order of AHEPA, Blue Ribbon District 13; 2001 Outstanding Advocate on Behalf of Low Income Families resulting in passage of Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit by the Make Work Pay Coalition; 2000 Outstanding Public Service Award, DePaul University College of Law Alumni; Primary Health Care Association Award; 2000 Liberty Bell Award, 19th Judicial Circuit; 2000 American Legion Certificate of Appreciation; 1999 Veteran of the Year, American GI Forum; 1999 Child Care Coalition Award; 1999 Legislator of the Year, Illinois Association of County Officials: 1998 Friend of Business LUCI (Leading Us in Commerce and Industry) Award; Hellenic American Achievement Award; North Shore D.A.R. Americanism Medal; Daughters of Penelope Woman of the Year; Illinois Federation of Independent Colleges and Universities Outstanding Legislator; Illinois Association of Park Districts Award; Jane Addams Leadership Award, 1995 Appreciation Award by the Kiley Center and Rehabilitation; NAACP Award from North Chicago Chapter; YWCA of Lake County Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government; 1992 Illinois State Bar Association 50 Years of Dedicated Service Award; United Hellenic Voters of America Most Distinguished American of Greek Ethnic Origin in the Field of Government; Illinois Hospital Association Award Outstanding Legislator; Community Dedication Award, Medical Staff of St. Therese Hospital; Illinois Women's Political Caucus Carrie Chapman Catt Award; Excellence in Leadership by Public Guardian for Children in Illinois; Greater Waukegan Israel Bond Rally Honoree; Illinois State's Attorneys Legislative Award; Military Order of the Purple Heart Award; Midwestern Regional Medical Center Award, past Grand National President, Daughters of Penelope/Order of AHEPA.
Personal: Born in Tegeas, Greece on March 29, 1918. Immigrated to the United States in 1922 and was educated in the United States. Attended and graduated from Northwestern University. Attended and graduated from DePaul University Law School. Served as Lt. Commander with Top Secret Clearance in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Waukegan, past president of its Parish Board of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary and former choir director. No children.
Senator Geo-Karis is survived by extended family and friends.
--From the official press release from her law office.
Senator Adeline Jay Geo-Karis, retired State Senator of Illinois, 31st Legislative District and Attorney. Veteran WWII Lt. Commander U.S. Navy. Former Mayor of Zion, IL served in the Illinois House of Representatives, former Lake County Assistant State's Attorney and Justice of the Peace in Lake County. Sen. Geo-Karis was the devoted daughter of the late John and Theofani Geokaris; dear sister of the late Alexander Karis, Nicholas Geokaris and Toula Colis; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews and their families. Sen. Geo-Karis was a past president of the parish council of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Waukegan, IL. Visitation Friday, Feb. 15th. from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center located at the Adeline Jay Geo-Karis State Park, #1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL, 60099. Family and friends will meet Saturday morning, Feb. 16th. at the Conference Center in the Grand Vista Ballroom for visitation from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 10 a.m. A luncheon followed immediately after the Funeral Service. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, IL. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial donations to The Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Leadership Award, created at Zion-Benton Township High School in living memory due to the contributions from members of the Illinois State Senate both Republican and Democratic to honor Senator Geo-Karis' years of public service. All proceeds are given to graduating seniors who have exemplified leadership, character, and scholarship. Also, donations may be made to the District 13 Daughters of Penelope Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 5367, River Forest, IL 60305-5367, for which she served as Grand President from 1953-1955 or to The St. Demetrios Church Waukegan Building Fund, 1400 S. O'Plaine Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085. Arrangements by John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. c/o Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home.
Published in the Chicago Tribune on 2/13/2008.
I knew her and liked her very much.
Past Grand President and member of Daughters of Penelope Oedipus #203, of Waukegan, Illinois.
Excepts from press release:
General Assembly: Senator Geo-Karis was the first senator in seniority in the Illinois State and the first woman to hold the position as Dean of the Senate, having served the 31st District since 1979. The first woman in Illinois history ever to serve in Senate leadership, she served for 10 years as Assistant Senate Majority Leader from 1993 to 2003. She also previously served six years in the House of Representatives.
Before leaving office, the Senator was Co-Chairman of the Senate Executive Appointments Committee and served as a member of the Financial Institutions Committee and Legislative Reference Bureau.
Senator Geo-Karis is the first Lake County woman ever elected to the Senate and House, was the first Lake County woman appointed as Assistant State's Attorney and was the first woman elected as Justice of the Peace in Lake County. Senator Geo-Karis is also the former Mayor of Zion.
Senator Geo-Karis is currently a Republican precinct committeewoman and was just reelected to that position on February 5, 2008. She served as Parliamentarian for the Lake County Republican Central Committee for many years and as Co-Chairman.
Senator Geo-Karis was elected as a delegate to the 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2004 National Republican Conventions and served as secretary to the Illinois Delegation. Senator Geo-Karis was elected as an Alternate Delegate to the 1992 National Republican Convention.
After her loss in the primary election of March of 2006, she continued to serve her constituents until her term expired in January of 2007.
Legislative Accomplishments: Senator Geo-Karis pioneered legislation on gasohol, solar energy and other alternative energy resources years before it became popular to do so. She successfully sponsored and supported bills for strong crime control and to benefit senior citizens, youth, armed forces veterans, people with disabilities and the working majority. The Senator has been cited for her sponsorship of the Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act, the Alternative Energy Act, and many laws to increase safety on Illinois lakes. Senator Geo-Karis was also a sponsor of the "Guilty But Mentally Ill" law, successfully sponsored the repeal of the Illinois Inheritance Tax and successfully cosponsored the Lottery Ticket to benefit Veterans.
Community Involvement: American Legion Lake County Women's Post #1122; AmVets Little Fort Chapter 35; OES Milburn Chapter #570; American Association of University Women; Altrusa Club; Zion Chamber of Commerce; Zion Club; Daughters of Penelope; American Businesswomen; Antioch Women's Club. Lifetime member of the Navy League.
Professional Experience: Former State Representative (1972-1978). Former State Senator (1979 to 2007). Headed her own law firm in Zion. Former Mayor of Zion. Former municipal attorney for Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Libertyville Township and Long Grove School District. Former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves.
AWARDS: Recently named in her honor is the Adeline J. Geo-Karis State Beach Park along with a park in Gurnee.
The Adeline Geo-Karis Leadership Award at Zion-Benton High School was named for her with annual scholarships to be donated beginning in 2001. Zion METRA Train Station named after her. Park in Beach Park named after her.
2004 Honorary Member of the Marine Corps League; 2003 Friend of Consumer Award, Illinois Coalition for Competitive Telecommunications; 2003 AARP American Spirit Award, AARP Foundation; 2003 Congratulatory Resolution, Warren Township, 2003 Certificate of Recognition, Winthrop Harbor Fire Department; 2003 Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, Waukegan Elks Lodge #702; 2002 Special Achievement Award, GLMV Chamber of Commerce; 2002 Carnation Award, AARP; 2002 Friend of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau; 2002 Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Political Leadership, Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka; 2002 Appreciation Award, Order of AHEPA, Blue Ribbon District 13; 2001 Outstanding Advocate on Behalf of Low Income Families resulting in passage of Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit by the Make Work Pay Coalition; 2000 Outstanding Public Service Award, DePaul University College of Law Alumni; Primary Health Care Association Award; 2000 Liberty Bell Award, 19th Judicial Circuit; 2000 American Legion Certificate of Appreciation; 1999 Veteran of the Year, American GI Forum; 1999 Child Care Coalition Award; 1999 Legislator of the Year, Illinois Association of County Officials: 1998 Friend of Business LUCI (Leading Us in Commerce and Industry) Award; Hellenic American Achievement Award; North Shore D.A.R. Americanism Medal; Daughters of Penelope Woman of the Year; Illinois Federation of Independent Colleges and Universities Outstanding Legislator; Illinois Association of Park Districts Award; Jane Addams Leadership Award, 1995 Appreciation Award by the Kiley Center and Rehabilitation; NAACP Award from North Chicago Chapter; YWCA of Lake County Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government; 1992 Illinois State Bar Association 50 Years of Dedicated Service Award; United Hellenic Voters of America Most Distinguished American of Greek Ethnic Origin in the Field of Government; Illinois Hospital Association Award Outstanding Legislator; Community Dedication Award, Medical Staff of St. Therese Hospital; Illinois Women's Political Caucus Carrie Chapman Catt Award; Excellence in Leadership by Public Guardian for Children in Illinois; Greater Waukegan Israel Bond Rally Honoree; Illinois State's Attorneys Legislative Award; Military Order of the Purple Heart Award; Midwestern Regional Medical Center Award, past Grand National President, Daughters of Penelope/Order of AHEPA.
Personal: Born in Tegeas, Greece on March 29, 1918. Immigrated to the United States in 1922 and was educated in the United States. Attended and graduated from Northwestern University. Attended and graduated from DePaul University Law School. Served as Lt. Commander with Top Secret Clearance in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Waukegan, past president of its Parish Board of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary and former choir director. No children.
Senator Geo-Karis is survived by extended family and friends.
--From the official press release from her law office.
Senator Adeline Jay Geo-Karis, retired State Senator of Illinois, 31st Legislative District and Attorney. Veteran WWII Lt. Commander U.S. Navy. Former Mayor of Zion, IL served in the Illinois House of Representatives, former Lake County Assistant State's Attorney and Justice of the Peace in Lake County. Sen. Geo-Karis was the devoted daughter of the late John and Theofani Geokaris; dear sister of the late Alexander Karis, Nicholas Geokaris and Toula Colis; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews and their families. Sen. Geo-Karis was a past president of the parish council of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Waukegan, IL. Visitation Friday, Feb. 15th. from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center located at the Adeline Jay Geo-Karis State Park, #1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL, 60099. Family and friends will meet Saturday morning, Feb. 16th. at the Conference Center in the Grand Vista Ballroom for visitation from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 10 a.m. A luncheon followed immediately after the Funeral Service. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, IL. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial donations to The Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Leadership Award, created at Zion-Benton Township High School in living memory due to the contributions from members of the Illinois State Senate both Republican and Democratic to honor Senator Geo-Karis' years of public service. All proceeds are given to graduating seniors who have exemplified leadership, character, and scholarship. Also, donations may be made to the District 13 Daughters of Penelope Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 5367, River Forest, IL 60305-5367, for which she served as Grand President from 1953-1955 or to The St. Demetrios Church Waukegan Building Fund, 1400 S. O'Plaine Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085. Arrangements by John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. c/o Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home.
Published in the Chicago Tribune on 2/13/2008.
Past Grand President and member of Daughters of Penelope Oedipus #203, of Waukegan, Illinois.
Excepts from press release:
General Assembly: Senator Geo-Karis was the first senator in seniority in the Illinois State and the first woman to hold the position as Dean of the Senate, having served the 31st District since 1979. The first woman in Illinois history ever to serve in Senate leadership, she served for 10 years as Assistant Senate Majority Leader from 1993 to 2003. She also previously served six years in the House of Representatives.
Before leaving office, the Senator was Co-Chairman of the Senate Executive Appointments Committee and served as a member of the Financial Institutions Committee and Legislative Reference Bureau.
Senator Geo-Karis is the first Lake County woman ever elected to the Senate and House, was the first Lake County woman appointed as Assistant State's Attorney and was the first woman elected as Justice of the Peace in Lake County. Senator Geo-Karis is also the former Mayor of Zion.
Senator Geo-Karis is currently a Republican precinct committeewoman and was just reelected to that position on February 5, 2008. She served as Parliamentarian for the Lake County Republican Central Committee for many years and as Co-Chairman.
Senator Geo-Karis was elected as a delegate to the 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2004 National Republican Conventions and served as secretary to the Illinois Delegation. Senator Geo-Karis was elected as an Alternate Delegate to the 1992 National Republican Convention.
After her loss in the primary election of March of 2006, she continued to serve her constituents until her term expired in January of 2007.
Legislative Accomplishments: Senator Geo-Karis pioneered legislation on gasohol, solar energy and other alternative energy resources years before it became popular to do so. She successfully sponsored and supported bills for strong crime control and to benefit senior citizens, youth, armed forces veterans, people with disabilities and the working majority. The Senator has been cited for her sponsorship of the Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act, the Alternative Energy Act, and many laws to increase safety on Illinois lakes. Senator Geo-Karis was also a sponsor of the "Guilty But Mentally Ill" law, successfully sponsored the repeal of the Illinois Inheritance Tax and successfully cosponsored the Lottery Ticket to benefit Veterans.
Community Involvement: American Legion Lake County Women's Post #1122; AmVets Little Fort Chapter 35; OES Milburn Chapter #570; American Association of University Women; Altrusa Club; Zion Chamber of Commerce; Zion Club; Daughters of Penelope; American Businesswomen; Antioch Women's Club. Lifetime member of the Navy League.
Professional Experience: Former State Representative (1972-1978). Former State Senator (1979 to 2007). Headed her own law firm in Zion. Former Mayor of Zion. Former municipal attorney for Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Libertyville Township and Long Grove School District. Former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves.
AWARDS: Recently named in her honor is the Adeline J. Geo-Karis State Beach Park along with a park in Gurnee.
The Adeline Geo-Karis Leadership Award at Zion-Benton High School was named for her with annual scholarships to be donated beginning in 2001. Zion METRA Train Station named after her. Park in Beach Park named after her.
2004 Honorary Member of the Marine Corps League; 2003 Friend of Consumer Award, Illinois Coalition for Competitive Telecommunications; 2003 AARP American Spirit Award, AARP Foundation; 2003 Congratulatory Resolution, Warren Township, 2003 Certificate of Recognition, Winthrop Harbor Fire Department; 2003 Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, Waukegan Elks Lodge #702; 2002 Special Achievement Award, GLMV Chamber of Commerce; 2002 Carnation Award, AARP; 2002 Friend of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau; 2002 Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Political Leadership, Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka; 2002 Appreciation Award, Order of AHEPA, Blue Ribbon District 13; 2001 Outstanding Advocate on Behalf of Low Income Families resulting in passage of Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit by the Make Work Pay Coalition; 2000 Outstanding Public Service Award, DePaul University College of Law Alumni; Primary Health Care Association Award; 2000 Liberty Bell Award, 19th Judicial Circuit; 2000 American Legion Certificate of Appreciation; 1999 Veteran of the Year, American GI Forum; 1999 Child Care Coalition Award; 1999 Legislator of the Year, Illinois Association of County Officials: 1998 Friend of Business LUCI (Leading Us in Commerce and Industry) Award; Hellenic American Achievement Award; North Shore D.A.R. Americanism Medal; Daughters of Penelope Woman of the Year; Illinois Federation of Independent Colleges and Universities Outstanding Legislator; Illinois Association of Park Districts Award; Jane Addams Leadership Award, 1995 Appreciation Award by the Kiley Center and Rehabilitation; NAACP Award from North Chicago Chapter; YWCA of Lake County Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government; 1992 Illinois State Bar Association 50 Years of Dedicated Service Award; United Hellenic Voters of America Most Distinguished American of Greek Ethnic Origin in the Field of Government; Illinois Hospital Association Award Outstanding Legislator; Community Dedication Award, Medical Staff of St. Therese Hospital; Illinois Women's Political Caucus Carrie Chapman Catt Award; Excellence in Leadership by Public Guardian for Children in Illinois; Greater Waukegan Israel Bond Rally Honoree; Illinois State's Attorneys Legislative Award; Military Order of the Purple Heart Award; Midwestern Regional Medical Center Award, past Grand National President, Daughters of Penelope/Order of AHEPA.
Personal: Born in Tegeas, Greece on March 29, 1918. Immigrated to the United States in 1922 and was educated in the United States. Attended and graduated from Northwestern University. Attended and graduated from DePaul University Law School. Served as Lt. Commander with Top Secret Clearance in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Waukegan, past president of its Parish Board of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary and former choir director. No children.
Senator Geo-Karis is survived by extended family and friends.
--From the official press release from her law office.
Senator Adeline Jay Geo-Karis, retired State Senator of Illinois, 31st Legislative District and Attorney. Veteran WWII Lt. Commander U.S. Navy. Former Mayor of Zion, IL served in the Illinois House of Representatives, former Lake County Assistant State's Attorney and Justice of the Peace in Lake County. Sen. Geo-Karis was the devoted daughter of the late John and Theofani Geokaris; dear sister of the late Alexander Karis, Nicholas Geokaris and Toula Colis; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews and their families. Sen. Geo-Karis was a past president of the parish council of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Waukegan, IL. Visitation Friday, Feb. 15th. from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center located at the Adeline Jay Geo-Karis State Park, #1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL, 60099. Family and friends will meet Saturday morning, Feb. 16th. at the Conference Center in the Grand Vista Ballroom for visitation from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 10 a.m. A luncheon followed immediately after the Funeral Service. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, IL. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial donations to The Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Leadership Award, created at Zion-Benton Township High School in living memory due to the contributions from members of the Illinois State Senate both Republican and Democratic to honor Senator Geo-Karis' years of public service. All proceeds are given to graduating seniors who have exemplified leadership, character, and scholarship. Also, donations may be made to the District 13 Daughters of Penelope Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 5367, River Forest, IL 60305-5367, for which she served as Grand President from 1953-1955 or to The St. Demetrios Church Waukegan Building Fund, 1400 S. O'Plaine Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085. Arrangements by John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. c/o Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home.
Published in the Chicago Tribune on 2/13/2008.
