State House pays respects to Hyde, Geo-Karis

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House paid its respects Thursday to former suburban lawmakers who passed away recently -- Henry Hyde and Adeline Geo-Karis.

Hyde was best known for representing the DuPage County-based 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House, but he served from 1966 to 1974 in the Illinois House. He passed away at age 83 on Nov. 29, 2007.

Geo-Karis, a former Republican state senator who represented Lake County in Springfield for more than three decades, passed away Sunday at age 89.

State Rep. Mike Fortner, a West Chicago Republican, said he appreciated the efforts Hyde made to serve his constituents. After a 2001 redistricting, Hyde's congressional district included a half-dozen residences from West Chicago, where Fortner was previously mayor.

"Congressman Hyde gave his call and wanted to get involved," Fortner said. "For someone who had that kind of tenure in the House, I was extremely impressed and I think goes to the kind of character Henry Hyde brought to Congress and the kind of work I'm sure he brought to this body as well."

Lawmakers said they were delayed in honoring Hyde because of an insufficient number of scheduled session days following his death.

Geo-Karis was recalled as a female trailblazer. She was the first woman to be appointed as assistant state's attorney in Lake County and first woman to serve in state Senate leadership.

"Her opinions appeared both in her votes and in her speeches, some might affectionately call lectures," said state Rep. Sandra Pihos, a Glen Ellyn Republican. "It was a privilege to know her during her many years of distinguished service and watch her in action."

State Rep. Eddie Washington remembered visiting her at the hospital during her illness.

"She was a good lady," the Waukegan Democrat said, noting her ability to work with both sides of the aisle. "She got in anybody's fight that she thought was right morally ... I will miss the example that she set."

The Illinois Senate, where Geo-Karis spent the bulk of her career, plans a later ceremony for her.