Adeline Jay Geo-Karis (31)

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis was a Republican politician who represented Illinois Senate District 31. She was a pioneering female attorney and public servant, serving as the first woman elected justice of the peace in Lake County , assistant state's attorney for Lake County , mayor of Zion, and member of the Illinois House before her Senate tenure starting in 1978.

Education and Political Experience

• Education and Early Career: Admitted to the Illinois bar in 1942; practiced law with her firm in Zion and provided legal services to local villages, townships, and school districts. World War II veteran as a lieutenant commander in the Navy.
• *Illinois House *: First woman elected to the House from Lake County; served as Minority Spokesman for Labor and Commerce and Environment, Energy and Natural Resources committees.
• *Illinois Senate *: Elected in 1978; served on committees including Insurance and Licensed Activities, Judiciary, Agriculture, Conservation and Energy, and Atomic Energy Commission. Reelected in 2002; retired prior to her passing.

Notable Achievements: Trailblazing firsts for women in Lake County legal and political roles; long-serving legislator known for committee leadership in key areas.