[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2847-S2848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: TRIBUTE TO SISTER MAURICE CROWLEY

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today is the last day of Women's History 
Month.'' Throughout the month of March, we've paid tribute to the 
vision of women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and Susan B. 
Anthony, the founders of the first Women's Rights Convention 150 years 
ago in Seneca Falls, New York. We've recognized the historic 
achievements and celebrated the legacies of Ameila Earhart, Marion 
Anderson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dolores Huerta and hundreds of other 
American leaders.
  During Women's History Month, it is also appropriate that we pay 
tribute to the countless American women whose names and great works are 
known only to their families, neighbors and friends. These women may 
not grace the pages of history books, but their contributions as 
mothers, teachers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and scientists have

[[Page S2848]]

shaped the direction and progress of this great country.
  In my own state of South Dakota, women of the plains have a long 
history of facing challenges with self-reliance and fortitude. 
Courageous women pioneers worked alongside fathers, husbands, and 
brothers to clear land, build homesteads, and establish schools, 
businesses and towns. In 1998, the women of South Dakota continue to 
build upon the legacy left by their foremothers of strong families and 
a better life for future generations.
  Sadly, we lost one such woman this year. But the spirit of Sister 
Maurice Crowley of Aberdeen, South Dakota will remain alive in the 
hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of laughter, joy and a lifelong 
commitment to education continues on in those whose lives she touched. 
As one of her first grade students more than forty years ago, I am one 
of those people.
  Sister Crowley was an incredible human being blessed with great 
warmth, sharp wit and Irish charm. With characteristic humor Sister 
Maurice Crowley used to joke, God created Adam, stepped back, took a 
look, and said, ``I can do better than that.'' Man or woman, we all 
benefit when we pay respect and honor those who make a difference in 
others' lives. It is with great respect and admiration that I pay 
personal tribute to Sister Maurice Crowley during Women's History 
Month.

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