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I met Deanna Demuzio on a hot summer evening in 1995 at the Macoupin County Fair. I was in college—her husband Vince took a liking to me and invited me to the fair with him to watch the queen pageant. I was nervous that night driving to Carlinville from Bunker Hill. This was way out of my comfort zone and I didn’t know the Demuzios and they really didn’t know me. Vince was late getting to the fair so I found myself roaming aimlessly around the entrance to the grandstand—the only person wearing a pair of khakis and a polo shirt in the blazing heat. That must have made me stick out like a sore thumb. Debating in my head how long I should stick around, a woman walked up to me as if she was on a mission. Armed with a smile, she said in the most pleasant of voices “You must be Andy. I’ve heard so much about you.” She handed me my ticket and said “follow me.” As we made our way through he grandstand, Deanna must have sensed my nerves were shot. But I suddenly felt at-ease. Immediately I was struck by her warmth and grace, her smile, her ability to make me feel comfortable. I think that was perhaps her greatest attribute and that’s how I will always remember her. She was such a caring person.
Deanna Demuzio was a central figure throughout my life, always there to help, inspire, and mentor. And I by no means was alone in that regard. Deanna was admired by so many. She was a trailblazer and her name is synonymous with Carlinville and Macoupin County. Deanna was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in and represents the best that we all strive to be as public servants. Words cannot fully encapsulate all that she has given to causes greater than herself over the course of her lifetime.
The picture posted here was taken last year on the Floor of the Illinois Senate. Mayor and Senator Deanna Demuzio spent the day with me talking with many of her former colleagues and members of the staff that held her in such high regard. I really enjoyed that day and I think she did as well.
My deepest sympathies go out to Stephanie and the entire Demuzio family.
Rest in peace my friend. I will miss you. We all will miss you.
* Senate President Don Harmon…
“Deanna Demuzio dedicated her life to community and public service. Along the way, she made great friends and taught us all so much about how to be better. She fought hard to improve our education system after years spent working at Lewis and Clark Community College and to fight for better health care given how it affected her family. She took up all of this after tragically losing another great friend of Illinois, her husband, Senator Vince Demuzio.
“I was honored to know and work alongside her in the Illinois Senate. She will forever be remembered for her dedication and commitment to the people of Illinois. Anyone who knew Deanna and Vince automatically thinks of them whenever driving through Carlinville. My condolences to her family and friends.”
* Macoupin County Democratic Party Chairman Pam Monetti…
Former state Sen. and Mayor Deanna Demuzio was a part of the most dynamic Illinois political team in decades to come from Macoupin County. She learned from the best, especially when it came to working tirelessly for her constituents. Everywhere you look in Macoupin County you will find evidence of the Demuzio legacy. Deanna was a remarkable woman who didn’t know a stranger and if you told her you needed help, she would do everything she could to help. She was a true public servant to the end and the Macoupin County Democrat Party will miss her terribly. Our heartfelt condolences to her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
…Adding… Michael Madigan in his role as DPI Chairman…
Shirley and I are extremely saddened to hear of Deanna Demuzio’s passing. Deanna was a true leader - in Carlinville and across the state. Deanna cared deeply for her community, worked passionately to improve life for everyone around her and exemplified what it means to be a dedicated public servant. Deanna’s family, friends and everyone she touched in her incredible life are in our thoughts and prayers.
…Adding… Secretary of State Jesse White…
We have lost a wonderful and caring person with the passing of former State Senator and Carlinville Mayor Deanna Demuzio, and I have lost a dear friend,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. “I have been privileged and blessed to have known Deanna for many years and always found her to be kind, generous and thoughtful. As a public servant, she was committed to helping those in need and fighting for causes she believed in. I would be remiss not to mention that her son, Brad, who passed away in 2014, served with distinction as the director of the Illinois Secretary of State Police. The Demuzio family will always have a special place in my heart. My condolences to her family and to her many friends.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 9:45 am
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When Deanna Demuzio first took the seat vacated by the death of her husband, I think many people thought she was not much more than a placeholder until the next election. Boy, were we ever wrong.
As a member of the Senate, Deanna Demuzio carved out her own legacy and became someone that many legislative liaisons of that period could go to and get the straight and narrow. She was willing to work with anyone to improve legislation, and wasn’t afraid to challenge the accepted thinking of the times.
Now, she’s home with Vince. RIP, my friend.
Comment by From the far, far western suburbs Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 9:59 am
A very nice lady, and a very good public servant.
Comment by Retired Educator Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 10:04 am
Rest In Peace Deanna. We don’t see much respect for others in today’s political times. When we crossed paths she always asked about my family and made. time no matter how busy the statehouse was.
Comment by BTO2 Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 10:50 am
I disagreed with some of her political positions, but was impressed with her in our meetings.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 11:19 am
Echoing what others have said, she was a very nice lady. She enjoyed interacting with all types of people in the Carlinville area and every person I know that ever interacted with her had nothing but good things to say.
Comment by all luck Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 11:45 am
I visited with her in her Springfield office to talk about local issues. As we met she pulled my letter from a big stack on her desk and asked about specific items in a paragraph. Terrific lady who always gave you a straight answer.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 12:18 pm
RIP. A great public servant and a gracious lady.
Comment by Crispy Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 2:20 pm
I never knew Vince (before my time) but Deanna was amazing.
Comment by phenom_Anon Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 2:29 pm
Sad news, my condolences to the Demuzio family and to Deanna Demuzio’s many friends.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 2:40 pm