[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E555-E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  NOTING THE PASSING OF BLANCHE RANGEL

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 1995
  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness today upon learning of 
the passing of Mrs. Blanche Rangel, the mother of our good friend and 
colleague, Charlie Rangel. Mrs. Rangel was called to rest on Monday, 
March 6, 1995, at the age of 90. Our thoughts and prayers are with 
Charlie and his family during this time of sorrow.
  With the passing of this devoted human being, Charlie has lost a good 
friend and close confidant. Like many of us, his mother occupied a 
special place in his heart and played a very special role in his life.
  Blanche Rangel was born in New York on March 20, 1904. She worked in 
the garment industry until 1965 and was an active member of the 
International Ladies Garment Workers Union.
  During her lifetime, Mrs. Rangel was a person who took great pride in 
her family and their achievements. We can envision her joy 
 [[Page E556]] many years ago when her son, Charlie Rangel, was elected 
to the United States Congress. She was a devoted mother, an 
affectionate grandmother and a proud great-grandmother.
  Blanche Rangel was married to the late Ralph Rangel, and raised three 
children. Ralph Rangel, Jr. passed away in 1975. Mrs. Rangel is 
survived by our colleague, Charlie Rangel, and a daughter, Mrs. Frances 
McDermott. She also leaves to mourn her passing two daughters-in-law, 
Mrs. Alma Rangel and Mrs. Dolores Rangel; a son-in-law, Mr. Donald 
McDermott; a brother, Mr. Percy Wharton; a sister, Mrs. Sylvia Curtis; 
seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, for many years my wife, Jay, and I have enjoyed a very 
close friendship with Charlie and Alma Rangel and their family. It is 
out of that deep friendship that I ask my colleagues to join me in 
extending our deepest sympathy to Charlie Rangel on this occasion.
  We pray that the Rangel family will find comfort in knowing their 
mother has left behind a legacy of love that will endure forever.


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