[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 21 (Thursday, February 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E254-E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       REMEMBERING ELIZABETH MARRA

                                 ______


                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 1995
  Mr. Speaker, the inevitability of death does not diminish the shock 
when it arrives prematurely and unexpectedly.
  Thus came my friend, Elizabeth Julia (Betty) Marra's death: 
unexpected, premature, unwelcome.
  [[Page E255]] Those of us who had been her friend through the years, 
and who, just days ago, had worked with her and experienced her 
enthusiasm and energy have great difficulty in contemplating her 
absence.
  Betty Marra and I graduated from the same high school--Suitland--two 
years apart. We were contemporaries. Therefore, more than most, I know 
she has died too young. We did not know one another in high school, but 
soon thereafter we became friends as members of the Young Democrats of 
Prince George's County.
  She loved politics and it was a very large part of her life. And in 
almost every campaign during the past 30 years, Betty was there: 
involved; leading; following; helping; encouraging; and making a 
difference.
  She had come, like so many of us in Prince George's County, from 
someplace else. But this was home and this was where she made a 
difference. She worked for, taught, learned from, and greatly helped so 
many of us who have been given the privilege and honor of elected 
public service. From the great chairman of the House Judiciary 
Committee, Peter Rodino; to Representative Leon Galvin of Pennsylvania; 
to my friend, Representative Bill Hughes of New Jersey. And, of course, 
she participated as a member of the staff of the historic Impeachment 
Inquiry Committee in 1974.
  Her longest continuous employment was, appropriately, with her dad--
the patriarch of the wonderful Procopio family, which, like Betty, has 
made such a positive contribution to the life and wellbeing of our 
community.
  Betty always reflected warmth and graciousness of her mother Rose; 
and evidenced by the love of her brothers: the late Alfonso, Jr., Ray, 
and Joe, and her sisters, Josephine and Linda. And, I can remember 
well, Julio as early as the 1960's, and the contribution he has made, 
as well. Thank you Julio, for what you have meant to so many of us.
  Elizabeth Julia Marra was a special person, who reflected what Hubert 
Humphrey referred to in 1968 as the joy of politics. In talking to her 
sons, Al and Michael, they commented on that joy she shared. The 
excitement she derived from and brought to her involvement in the 
political process at the county, State, and national levels. From 
precinct official to President were persons she respected for their 
effort and their commitment.
  Betty Marra was contagious. And so many of us caught her spark and 
carry it with us today. We will remember her and her vitality, her 
optimism, her drive, her warmth, her faith, her love of life and of all 
of us.
  History chronicles the contributions of a few and we call those 
individuals famous. Betty was not famous. But, Betty Marra did what all 
of us should do; she gave freely of her time and talent to make her 
community and country better. She did what President Kennedy urged each 
of us to do and she did not ``ask what her country could do for her, 
but what she could do for her country.''
  And, as she did, she joined the ranks of thousands who have played a 
part in preserving and protecting the great Nation we love as the 
``land of the free and the home of the brave.'' And so, for what she 
did for each of us; and what she did for me, I say, ``Thank you Betty, 
we miss you.''


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