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SR 807

MEMORIAL-KATHY HICKEY-HEIMLICH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Steve McClure

The resolution commemorates Kathryn Hickey-Heimlich, honoring her contributions to education, disability services, and animal-assisted therapy, and extends condolences to her famil

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · SR 807

Overview

  • Bill type: Senate Resolution (SR0807)
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Illinois, 104th General Assembly
  • Primary purpose: To memorialize and express condolences for the life and passing of Kathryn "Kathy" Hickey-Heimlich
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor not explicitly listed; co-sponsor: Steve McClure

Note: This is a memorial resolution, not a bill proposing new law or policy.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognizes the life, work, and character of Kathy Hickey-Heimlich.
  • Aims to publicly mourn her passing and extend condolences to her family, friends, and community.
  • Preserves her legacy and acknowledges contributions to education, animal welfare, and community service.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal expression of sympathy: The resolution states the Illinois Senate’s sorrow at her death and offers condolences.
  • Presentation of resolution: Orders that a suitable copy be presented to her family as an expression of deepest sympathy.

Details About Kathy Hickey-Heimlich (as described in the resolution)

  • Birth and family: Born June 22, 1955 to Robert and Loretta Hickey; married Philip "Phil" Heimlich in 1979.
  • Education and career:
    • Springfield High School graduate (1973)
    • Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Illinois State University (1977)
    • Taught special education and ESL in District 186; took a hiatus to raise three children
    • Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2000)
    • Founded an animal-assisted therapy program; contributed to graduate research on therapy benefits for children with severe disabilities; research published and recognized with a Graduate Literary Award
  • Interests and personal life:
    • Passion for serving individuals with disabilities and animals in need
    • Enjoyed gardening, horses (her horse Johnny), and watching Triple Crown races
  • Community and family: Survived by husband Phil (married 46 years at the time), three children, six grandchildren and an honorary grandchild, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, and a longtime best friend
  • Preceded in death by parents, granddaughter Loretta “Etta” Sloan, and brother-in-law Kim Jones; brother Pat Hickey died shortly after

Who Is Affected

  • Directly: Kathy Hickey-Heimlich’s family, friends, and community
  • Indirectly: The Illinois Senate and broader public who participate in or observe memorial resolutions

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Resolution presented and adopted by the Illinois Senate as a formal expression of mourning
  • Date-related information:
    • Kathy Hickey-Heimlich passed away on May 5, 2026
    • Resolution references her life, achievements, and legacy in a commemorative capacity

Summary

SR0807 is a commemorative Illinois Senate Resolution honoring Kathryn "Kathy" Hickey-Heimlich for her dedication to education, disability services, and animal-assisted therapy, highlighting her personal and professional achievements and offering condolences to her family and community. It serves to publicly acknowledge and celebrate her life and impact, rather than to enact new laws or policy changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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