[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H352-H353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO MS. IMOGENE MATTHEWS OF GARY, INDIANA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I 
pay tribute to one of the most caring, dedicated, and selfless citizens 
in Indiana's First Congressional District, Imogene Matthews of Gary, 
Indiana.
  After serving the constituents of Northwest Indiana in my Gary 
District Office for the last 10 years, Imogene announced her retirement 
this past December.
  Imogene Vanetta Matthews was born on April 15, 1954, in Gary, 
Indiana. Imogene, affectionately known as Moby, was the youngest girl 
of 11 children born to Emmett and Pauline Matthews. A lifetime native 
of Gary, Indiana, Imogene graduated from West Side High School in 1972.
  One need look no further than her career choices after high school to 
determine what kind of person Imogene is. From her beginnings at the 
Gary Manpower Administration helping to place young children in day-
care centers and homes, to her years of service as executive secretary 
for Gary Mayor Richard G. Hatcher, to the last person she assisted in 
her capacity as a Federal caseworker in my office, she has dedicated 
her life wholly to public service.
  I was fortunate enough to have Moby on my staff as a Federal 
caseworker since 1989. Her commitment to her work and the people of 
Northwest Indiana eventually earned her a position as my Deputy 
District Director.

                              {time}  1330

  During her tenure in my office, she has worked selflessly to ensure 
the well-being of all those around her. Her exceptional knowledge and 
expertise in dealing with the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
and the Social Security Administration are unparalleled. While serving 
on my staff, she reunited dozens of families, helping loved ones attain 
the privilege of U.S. citizenship and aiding those already in the U.S. 
by acquiring the passports and visas they needed to visit their 
relatives abroad.
  You only needed one meeting with Imogene to see the revelation that 
her choice of vocation is not only a result of the responsibility she 
feels to a community she loves but is also a reflection of her deep and 
abiding compassion for those around her. Federal casework can be a 
thankless task. But Moby never wavered. Regardless of the barriers that 
faced her, Imogene threw herself into her work with the patience and 
perseverance of Job. Her overwhelming commitment to following through 
on her promises made her an absolute miracle worker. My office is often 
the last resort for many of my constituents with problems. Imogene 
never let anyone feel desperate or afraid. On the contrary, she was a 
great source of hope to many people who had nowhere else to turn. She 
treated everyone who walked into my office with the dignity and respect 
they deserved, regardless of their situation in life or the details of 
their problems. After working with her for a decade, I can say easily 
that her kindness knows no bounds.
  As one might expect, Imogene selflessly gives her free time and 
energy to her community as well, her friends, and, most importantly, 
her family. Imogene is a member of the NAACP as well as the Young 
Women's Christian Association. She is also an active volunteer for the 
American Association of Retired Persons and is a member of the Friends 
of the Gary Public Library. In addition to these important activities, 
Imogene promotes another cause that is near and dear to her heart. She 
is an avid Chicago Bulls fan and a Michael Jordan fan. Pictures of 
Michael Jordan adorned her office along with a life-size cutout of M.J.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me

[[Page H353]]

in commending Imogene ``Moby'' Matthews for her lifetime of dedication, 
service and compassion to the residents of northwest Indiana. She has 
touched the lives of many residents and she will be sorely missed not 
only by those she has helped with her outstanding service and 
uncompromising dedication but by myself and my staff who have seen her 
extraordinary expertise and felt her deep compassion and love. She will 
never be replaced.

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