[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN SINCERE TRIBUTE TO SHIRLEY PRUSSIN--LONG TIME ACTIVIST AND 
               DEMOCRATIC CONSCIENCE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2001

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to 
honor Shirley Prussin of Monterey County, California, on her 80th 
birthday, May 16, 2001. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt, Shirley has 
advocated for human rights throughout her active life.
  Raised during the depression and coming of age during World War II, 
Shirley experienced the hardships and challenges of that generation. A 
native New Yorker, Shirley graduated from Brooklyn College in 1941 and 
shortly thereafter married Sam Prussin, a chemical engineer. As many 
returning veterans from World War II, the young Prussin family had a 
difficult time finding housing. This experience left a lasting 
impression on Shirley as she began her life dedicated to political 
activism.
  Moving to Southern California in 1947, Shirley got her first taste of 
politics working for Tom Rees' race for the California State Assembly. 
This was just the beginning of a long list of Democratic campaigns 
Shirley would work on throughout her life, including my own. She was a 
tireless volunteer and leader in the party, working for the local 
Democratic Party headquarters during elections in Los Angles and later 
on in Monterey County.
  Shirley's proudest moments were in the 1960's when she participated 
in Another Mother For Peace movement. She was a grassroots organizer 
and educated voters to lobby their legislators to end the war in 
Vietnam. Today she carries on her grassroots work advocating for 
reproductive freedom and human rights.
  Shirley first moved to Monterey County, in 1975. The depth of her 
commitment to our community is truly outstanding. Shirley has had a 
leadership role in the ACLU, the Democratic Womens Club, the 
Reproductive Rights Coalition, the YWCA and Planned Parenthood. With 
her keen intellect and determination combined with her grace and 
warmth, Shirley has made a significant contribution to human rights for 
all individuals.
  While doing all of this, Shirley also taught math and science to 
gifted students, was a businesswoman, a wife and mother of two sons. 
Humanitarian, social activist, Democratic leader, feminist, and 
steadfast friend, Shirley Prussin inspires and touches the lives of all 
who know her.

                          ____________________