Janie Morrison, 64

Information submitted by the Illinois state Senate.

Janie Morrison, 64, of River Grove, passed away early Saturday morning. 

She was born to Earl and Ruth Morrison on August 5, 1949 in Peoria, IL. Janie graduated from Central College in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication Arts, and went on to receive a Master of Education in Speech Pathology from Trenton State College in New Jersey.

Janie enjoyed a long and distinguished career in public service, which began at the age of 18, and was known as a fierce, relentless and passionate advocate for justice and for those in need. In the latter stages of her career, Janie worked at the Temple Association of University Professionals and ultimately held the position of Executive Director from 1992 to 2001.

In January 2002, Janie returned to the Chicagoland area to work as assistant to Norman Swenson, the President of the Cook County Colleges Teachers Union (CCCTU). It was in this position that she first came in contact with Dan Kotowski's campaign for the Illinois State Senate in 2006. Janie was such a vital part of the campaign that following his victory, State Senator-elect Kotowski asked her to become his District Director.

As District Director, Janie was a successful champion for constituents and veterans facing employment, healthcare and housing challenges, going above and beyond the call of duty to touch countless lives. She spearheaded the organization and execution of six community job fairs, the Flight 191 Memorial in Des Plaines and aided in the educational and professional growth of over 30 interns.

Janie’s lifelong passion was sailing. She raced boats as a child and as an adult, owned a sailboat and floating home on the Delaware River in Pennsylvania.

She is survived by her mother, Ruth, a current resident of Lombard, and Sigurd Larsen, of River Grove, Janie’s longtime companion.

A service to celebrate Janie’s life will be held at the First Church of Lombard, located at 220 South Main Street, Lombard, IL at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16th.