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Mary Ann McMorrow
Mary Ann McMorrow
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Mary Ann McMorrow Obituary
"I am the 115th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois," she said, according to a spokesman for the Illinois Supreme Court. "You will notice after I take off my robe that I am the only one of the 114 chief justices who preceded me that wears a skirt."
McMorrow died Saturday at a Chicago hospital following a brief illness, said court spokesman Joseph Tybor, who was authorized to speak on her family's behalf. She was 83.
Her five-decade career was marked by numerous precedents. She was the only woman in her 1953 class at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and was the first woman to prosecute major felony cases as an assistant Cook County state's attorney.
Once told by a supervisor she couldn't argue a case before the Supreme Court because of her gender, she went on to became the first woman on the state's highest court with her 1992 election. Her term as chief justice - from 2002 to 2005 - made her the first woman to head any branch of Illinois government.
In a statement Sunday, Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride said McMorrow's legacy looms large over Illinois' high court - the first to include three female justices.
"Being the first woman on the court and to serve as chief justice, she was an inspiration to all women in the law in Illinois. But through her courage, perseverance, wisdom, and character, she was a role model for all lawyers, regardless of gender," Kilbride said. "Justice McMorrow was top-tier. She was devoted to the law and justice; but was always collegial and good-humored. We will all miss her grace, elegance and style. Most of all, we shall miss her."
The Supreme Court said McMorrow wrote 225 majority opinions and an additional 85 se parate concurring and dissenting opinions. She wrote a 1997 opinion holding that limits on non-economic lawsuit damages for people injured through negligence were unconstitutional. McMorrow cited the case as an example of her desire to promote "the common good" as a judge.
She also used frequent speaking appearances to encourage lawyers to serve the poor. During her tenure as chief justice, the court raised the fee attorneys pay for licensure, Tybor said. Those funds - more than $2 million per year - help legal aid organizations serve low-income residents.
And although McMorrow said at the time of her 2006 retirement that she was proud of her accomplishments, she also told The Associated Press she never was trying to be "a first."
"I was just trying to do the best I could," she said. "I just thought this was my duty."
McMorrow is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann, and her sister, Frances. Arrangements were pending Sunday.
SARA BURNETT, Associated Press
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
58 Entries
John Flood
March 15, 2013
So long Judge -You were held in the highest esteem by the police profession
John J Flood
Cook County Police Department ( Ret )
Sister Paulette Misericordia
March 12, 2013
Our deepest sympathies. Thank you Mary Ann for thinking of our Misericordia folks, during these hard days. You and all the McMorrows are in our prayers.
Howard Friedman
March 5, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences
How you can show support
Robin
March 2, 2013
May your fond memories bring a smile to your face. Turn to God to bring you comfort in your distress. He is near to all those calling upon him and their cry's for help he hears.
Psalms 145: 18,19
Louis Apostol
March 1, 2013
To the Family of Justice McMorrow. I am sorry I could not attend funeral services due to out of state commitments. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Justice McMorrow in the past. She was truly a wonderful lady and a great jurist who served the people of Illinois with grace and distinction. May she rest in peace and may her memory be forever eternal.
Selma Friedland
February 28, 2013
Dear Mary Ann - Tho my name is unknown to you, I worked in the State's Atorney's Office when your motheer worked there. I was sec'y to the State's Attorney and I admired your mother greatly. Years later we met for lunch with Elma Kahn, the adm. head of the State's Attorney's office, and we promised to keep in touch. But of course we did not. But my respect for your mother never changed. I am so sorry. I am older than your mother, and upset that she left this earth so soon. Please accept my condolences.
February 28, 2013
John 5:29
Brian Delker
February 27, 2013
Dear Mary Ann,
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your Mother. I know how difficult that can be. You and your Mom kept my own parents in your prayers during their time of illness. Your Mom was a very warm, kind and loving person who always had a smile and a kind word when we met. She has also raised a daughter with those same qualities and her legacy will live on in our hearts. She has risen to the highest "office" as our guardian angel. May she pray for us and be ever at your side!
February 27, 2013
Dear Mary Ann,
Your mom was a Grand ,classy
humble lady....I loved talking to her.
She was a great asset to the juducial system, treating every one
fairly.
May she rest in the peacefully
in the hands of Jesus in paradise.
May her memory live on for generations.
God bless her family....
Edward G. Dykla
President Emeritus
Polish Roman Catholic Union
Byonton Beach, Fla
Barrington, Ill
Sheila Murphy
February 27, 2013
Dear Mary Ann and Frances,
What a joy to know your Mother. I have so many wonderful memories of her laughing with Judges Margaret O"Malley, Monica Reynolds and Rosemary Laporta in the Walnut room.They planned their vacations and went off to Greece and stayed in the Army-Navy club in London, Hearing tales of the adventures was really wonderful. But her heart was always with her daughter and she was so proud of you and all you did. Your Dad was never far away as that Irishman really captured her spirit. I remember walking with her to Mass in Springfield. She had such long legs and would go so fast it was hard to keep up with her. She always looked like my Mother wanted me to look. Matching shoes and purse and elegant suits, she had it altogether. And how hard she worked and so was thorough in everything she did, whether it was writing a brief or opinion, or making a speech, or asking us questions during oral argument. She was always prepared. In later years. Despite her years as an Assistant States Attorney and running for office, she was a bit shy. in 1992 when we were all running, she would be in the back and my husband Patrick would go and get her and put her in the front and then he would stay with Frances. When we marched in the St Patrick's day parade she loved every minute of it. In later years she wore slacks and we would meet in Greektown for dinner. She was interested in everyone and everything Justice McMorrow made a fine Chief Justice and seeing her sworn in was indeed a thrill. Thank you for asking for contributions to Misercordia and Haymarket house, two of her favorite charities. She loved us all , and we loved her right back. Now, she belongs to the ages. Someday they will have a statue of her in Springfield and we will walk by and remember oh so fondly and be grateful that we had such a friend.
Our love, our sympathy to you Mary Ann and Frances,
Patrick Racey and Sheila Murphy (Ret.Judge)
jessica jagielnik
February 27, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Judge McMorrow. She was a fine human being and a fine judge. May she rest in peace.
February 27, 2013
Justice Mc Morrow was a great leader in Polonia and a great friend to my late wife, Marlene and me. She was the first person to be honored at the first Polish Heritage Celebration held at Northeastern. My wife Marlene started the event and admired Judge McMorrow and chose her for the honor I will miss this great lady and her sweet smile. Due to seven inches of snow here in Wisconsin, I am unable to attend the wake. I will make a donation to the PMA in her memory
Kenneth P. Gill
Tom Brady
February 27, 2013
Dear Mary Ann,
We have fond memories of you and your parents from vacations in Michigan. She so loved being a mother and enjoyed the time in Michigan so much. When we would bump into her downtown , she was always so thrilled to see people and remember the times in Michigan. We remember her fondly, The Brady Family
Ken Sz
February 27, 2013
From our trip to Rome, with His Eminence Cardinal George, when she tried assisting me with the purchase of a "Pope on a Rope" bottle opener, to our brief meetings on the busy streets of Chicago, "Pani Matka" always had a smile, hug and kind word for the guy she called "The Wild One from Evanston." Truly, a special lady! And one, that I have had the privilege and honor, to call "my friend!"
Deepest sympathy to the Grohwin and McMorrow Families.
eileen mackevich
February 27, 2013
Justice McMorrow is a role model for me, my daughters and my granddaughters. She could do it all - a great professional woman, scholar and the loving member of a family - that family extends to everyone far and wide to whom she gave counsel and great kindness.
Janell Kelley
February 27, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Justice McMorrow when I worked in the Circuit Court of Cook County. She was kind, intelligent and had a great sense of humor. So sorry for your loss.
Bud Palac
February 27, 2013
Dear MaryAnn,
On behalf of the Palac Family, our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your mom. She was a great lady and a role model for us in so many ways. As you can imagine, we share fond memories of all the days on Newcastle, Phil's Beach, Saugutuck, Armando's Pizza, just to name a few. We will always keep your mom and dad in our prayers.
February 27, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the McMorrow family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
February 27, 2013
May God give you the strength and comfort needed during this time. Phillipians 4:13
February 27, 2013
My condolences to the family. May you received the support from your friends and family and receive the strength from God. He will give you power beyond what is normal to help you to endure.
2 Corinthians 4:7
Anna Szpindor, MD
February 26, 2013
Dear Mary Ann,
I never met your mother but heard a lot about her from the late Marlene Wilczynski Gill who organized the first Polish Heritage Month Celebration at NEIU. Your mother was the Guest Speaker at this event.
I found an entry in Dziennik Zwiazkowy 2010 with a very nice photograph of your mother swearing in Aurelia Pucinski. Search under Mary Ann Grohwin.
My deepest condolences to you and your family,
Anna Szpindor, MD- Board Certified Allergist
Past President of Polish American Mewdical Society in Chicago
Polish American Congress- Il. Division VP
Greg Reynolds
February 26, 2013
A brilliant mind and a loving soul, Justice McMorrow has been a dear friend of our family for many decades. She's known four generations of us by name and has kept up with us personally. We are saddened by your loss, Mary Ann and Frances. We are so proud to have known a person as beautiful, as humble, and as extraordinary as your mother and your sister. She extended so much love and guidance our way. She's in our home movies and in our hearts. We pray with you both. May God bless your family.
–the family of Judge Monica Doyle Reynolds (Ret., dec.)
Marilyn Draeger
February 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Having had the privilege of spending a day with you, Fran, and Mary Ann, was truly a wonderful experience and opportunity to see why you both were loved and admired by our mutual friend. May God bless you and keep him with you always as He is now with Mary Ann.
Marilyn Draeger, Cheswick, Pennsylvania
Meg Higgins
February 26, 2013
Dear Mary Ann,
Your mother was one of a kind. She was a role model, a mentor and a great friend. I have such fond memories of my time spent in her company. I hope your memories bring you peace in this time of mourning.
ad
February 26, 2013
Condolences the family. Words cannot express the pain in your hearts, but know that God is greater than anything that brings us pain and suffering. He promises that soon he will satisfy all proper desires, especially our desire to see our dear loved ones again. Psalm 145:16
Drew Szorc
February 26, 2013
Justice Mc morrow Thank You for all your hard work and leadership in the Great State os Illinois. Your Smile, Advice,was always encouraging. You Will Be Missed. Rest in Peace. Love and Comfort to the Family.
February 26, 2013
As a woman, its encouraging to hear about other strong women. She didn't let her gender or what others thought get in her way.
February 26, 2013
MAY THE PERPETUAL LIGHT OF GOD SHINE UPON HER, SHE CALLED ME THE POLISH PRINCE AND SHE WILL ALWAYS BE A PRINCESS TO ME MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES RETIRED JUDGE BOB SKLODOWSKI
Ralph & Peggy Ross
February 26, 2013
Our memories are very warm of Mary Ann and many happy times together. To Franny and Mary Ann, Jr. we send our sympathies and deepest condolences. We are in Arizona for the winter so will not be at St. Mary's but our hearts are there with you all. She nows is with her forever love, Emmett. God be with you.
Arlene Motykiewicz
February 26, 2013
To the family of Mary Ann McMorrow, she was one of God's great treasures to all those who's live she touched. A wonderful person so genuine.
~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain
February 26, 2013
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Justice McMorrow will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 10 MAR, 11:00 a.m., at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of Jesus Christ! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
G. Freeman
February 26, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Diane Shapiro
February 26, 2013
On behalf of the family of the late Lester Shapiro (Gail, nee Pitluk) who was an Assistant State's Attorney with Judge McMorrow, Cecil Partee, Joe Wosik, Earl Strayhorn, John Stamos, Albert Zemel, Marty Brodkin and others under John Gutknecht, please accept our condolences. May her memory be a blessing to you all, and all of the good deeds she did on this earth be remembered.
February 26, 2013
may we all wait patiently for the new world to come we're there will be no more sickness, old age, and death.
February 26, 2013
we were saddened to learn of Mary Ann's death. May her memory be eternal. John and Daisy Stamos.
'
Cynthia
February 26, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Mary Smith
February 26, 2013
My sincere condolences to the McMorrow family. God will comfort you and give you courage during your time of sorrow (Ro. 12:12).
Anna hendon
February 26, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Laura M. Philips
February 25, 2013
Justice McMorrow was a true role model,and will be missed.
February 25, 2013
I wanted to offer my condolence for your loss. Draw close to God in prayer, especially during this time, and remember that "he care for you" {1 Peter 5:6-7}
With Deep Sympathy
Michelle Gittler
February 25, 2013
Dear Mary Ann,
I am sorry to hear about your mom. I always think of you fondly, and hope you and your family find peace.
warm regards,
February 25, 2013
My condolences to the McMorrow family. Very soon God promises us no one will say:"I'm Sick".-Isa.33:24
Margaret
February 25, 2013
To the friends and family of Mrs. Mary Ann Mcmorrow,may you all throw your burden on our Heavenly Father and He will sustain you all.....Pslalms 55:22
LT. WAYNE WIECZOREK
February 25, 2013
JUSTICE MCMORROW WAS EVERYTHING A JUDGE IS SUPPOSED TO BE AND WAS A CREDIT TO HER PROFESSION. BUT THE BEST THING ABOUT HER WAS FIVE MINUTES AFTER MEETING HER, YOU FORGOT SHE WAS A JUDGE AND FELT LIKE YOU WERE TALKING WITH AN OLD FRIEND. ALL THAT AND A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. A WONDERFUL WOMAN.REST IN PEACE YOUR HONOR.
Michael Pisani
February 25, 2013
A remarkable jurist, a kind and thoughtful person, and friend of our family.
February 25, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Mary Ann and Fran. Michael Jasinski.
February 25, 2013
May our God and Father of comfort and all tender mercies grant you a peaceful heart and provide solace in full measure from your fondest measure of Ms. Mary Ann.
Baltimore, MD
David Englund
February 25, 2013
I enjoyed meeting her at judges' conferences. Sorry to learn of her passing.
David Englund
Former Judge
17th Circuit
Amy Osler
February 25, 2013
Your mother was always smiling and wonderful to work with. It was truly a pleasure to know her. My thoughts are with you.
February 25, 2013
To the McMorrow family: During your time of great sorrow may you find peace and comfort in this sure promise found at John 6:40.
Carla Michelotti
February 25, 2013
May God bless Justice McMorrow with everlasting life and grace. She lived her life as a modest but powerful role model to many, many lawyers...not only female lawyers. She was generous with her time and advice, and always encouraging. She lived her faith, and as such she was a beacon for the world.
February 25, 2013
Dear Mary Ann,
Your Mother was a remarkable woman.
My deepest sympathy on your loss.
Mary Ann Childers
Brien Comerford
February 25, 2013
Judge Mcmorrow exuded class, intelligence, poise, modesty, decency, grace and character. An extremely nice person and she was a bona fide icon. Respected by countless judges, lawyers and friends. It was an honor to meet her at several events. I was fortunate to know her.
February 25, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 25, 2013
rip
February 25, 2013
To the family of Mary, try to recall happy memories of the times you shared with your loved one, perhaps by looking at photos. Remembering those times might be painful at first. In time, though, these memories may help you to heal rather than cause you to hurt. (Galatians 6: 2,5) Sarah Watson
Marva Nelson
February 25, 2013
Thanks you, Justice McMorrow, for all of your hard work and for serving as an upstanding model for all girls and women in Illinois and elsewhere. Rest in peace.
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