[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 24, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO SELMA LOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2000

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the notable 
accomplishments and extraordinary life of a woman in the First 
Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that 
we recognize this community leader for her exceptional record of civic 
leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this outstanding 
citizen that I rise to honor Selma Lock.
  Selma Lock was a remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life. She 
touched the lives of many people and made a tremendous impact on our 
community. Her indomitable spirit sustained her through many travails 
and enormous hardship. Born in Vienna, Austria, her young life was 
spent as a refugee fleeing Nazi oppression. She and one sister were 
separated from the family and hid in Budapest. After the war, she was 
reunited with her mother and siblings and learned that her father was 
killed at Auschwitz. The family then tried to enter Palestine, but was 
ordered to spend a year in a war camp in Cyprus by British forces. 
After the British occupation, the family was allowed into Palestine and 
Selma joined the Hagannah, fighting on the front lines. Soon after, she 
became ill with tuberculosis and left Israel. In 1953, she came to 
Denver to treat her condition at the National Jewish Hospital. Although 
she lost one lung to this disease, she persevered and enrolled at the 
University of Colorado Extension Center in Denver. After completing her 
education, she became a pioneer in radiology at Rose Memorial Hospital 
and founded the mammography department. She served as head of the 
department for many years and became a clinical instructor for interns 
and radiology students at the college.
  I had the privilege of working with Selma in a political organizing 
capacity. Those who knew her understood that Selma's true passion was 
politics. But it was never politics for the sake of politics. For 
Selma, politics had a high purpose and there was always a fundamental 
fairness that motivated her endeavors. She was well known in democratic 
circles for her outspoken commentary and years of service to the 
Democratic Party. As a precinct committee person, a House district 
captain, a member of the Denver Executive and State Central Committees, 
Selma made an immeasurable contribution to the Democratic Party. She 
played an instrumental role in winning many local, State, and national 
elections including those of Mayor Federico Pena, Congresswoman Pat 
Schroeder, and President Clinton. I was also honored to have Selma's 
support and friendship.
  In 1982, then Governor Richard Lamm appointed Selma to fill a vacancy 
in the Colorado House of Representatives where she served for a short 
time. She was a delegate to four Democratic National Conventions, 
served on the national rules committee and served as a Presidential 
elector from Colorado as well. In 1994, Selma was given the much 
deserved ``Democrat of the Year'' award by the Colorado Democratic 
Party.
  To borrow a term from Yiddish, Selma was a mensch--a real human being 
who is an upright, honorable, and decent person. Selma lived a life of 
meaning and one that was rich in consequence. It is the character and 
deeds of Selma Lock and all Americans like her, which distinguishes us 
as a nation and ennobles us as a people. Truly, we are all diminished 
by the passing of this remarkable woman. Please join me in paying 
tribute to the life of Selma Lock. It is the values, leadership, and 
commitment she exhibited during her life that has served to build a 
better future for all Americans. Her life serves as an example to which 
we should all aspire.

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