Sigma Alpha Iota

MUSIC MEDLEY The Difference A Life Can Make S igma Alpha initiate Christine Turney, who passed away December 2011, was honored on the floor of the House of Representatives the following February. Illinois congresswoman Jan Schakowsy spoke about Turney's dedication as a music educator. HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRIS TURNEY HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY of Illinois in the House of Representatives Wednesday, February 1, 2012 Ms. SCHAKOWSKY: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a lifelong educator and political activist. Chris Turney passed away in December at the age of 60. Chris dedicated her life to the education of children. Chris was a music teacher for 34 years, and spent the last 20 years of her career teaching at Lincoln Junior High School in Skokie, Illinois. Ms. Turney, as she was known by her students, shared her passion and love for music with many students over the years. She played a variety of musical instruments including the piano, flute, piccolo and guitar. She frequently used these instruments in her classroom. Most importantly, Ms. Turney inspired hundreds of children to follow their dreams. Ms. Turney encouraged all her students to believe in themselves and their own unique skills and abilities as they moved through life. Outside of the classroom, Chris was a political activist fighting for a better education system. Chris was a lifelong Democrat and very active in the National Sigma Alpha initiate Christine Turney (at top) was Education Association (NEA). She was honored on the floor of the House of Representatives president of the Skokie-Morton Grove by Janice Schakowsky (above) in 2012. Education Association, was the Region 36 Senator Barack Obama. After retiring from her Chair of the Illinois Education Association, and teaching career, Chris continued to be politically eventually became an NEA State Director. As a active. She served as the President of the State Director, Chris was frequently on Capitol DuPage Chapter of the Illinois Retired Teachers Hill meeting with members of Congress. Some Association, a position she held until her death. of Chris's favorite moments in her life were She was an advocate for public education and for shaking hands with President Clinton and then better schools for our children. Chris will be missed dearly by her former students, colleagues, friends and family. She is survived by her life partner of 30 years, James C. Keating, her sisters Judy Goldsmith and Linda Turney, and three nephews. She encouraged all three of her nephews to follow their dreams which they have done. Her oldest nephew Rob Goldsmith is currently an education and labor staffer for Congressman Bruce Braley. Jeff Goldsmith is a very successful musician who has written and recorded numerous songs and albums. Mark Goldsmith, the youngest nephew, is currently an engineering student and baseball player at the Colorado School of Mines. Her memory and influence lives on through them. Chris's memory will live on through the people whom she inspired for years to come. She was an agent of change to many. If you knew Chris well, she changed your life. Her uplifting, energetic, and positive attitude will be missed and she will not be forgotten. — Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 sai-national.org SUMMER 2013 PAN PIPES 3

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