[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF EDITH FINLAYSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, Wisconsin lost a true friend 
on Wednesday, with the passing of Edith Finlayson.
  Edith was a self-made woman, an outstanding example for my daughters 
and for all young women. She was the daughter of a Baptist minister, 
and she drew on her faith for strength and guidance throughout her 
life. She earned a nursing degree and pursued advanced education in 
nursing administration.
  Edith and her husband William moved to Milwaukee in 1958. She became 
the first African American nurse at Milwaukee's Veterans Administration 
hospital. Her talents and hard work won her the position of head nurse 
in the hospital's paraplegic unit.
  When her own health failed, Edith left the VA hospital, but she did 
not retire. Instead, she began a long and illustrious second career as 
what our hometown newspaper aptly described as a ``professional 
volunteer.'' Wisconsin's governor appointed Edith to the University of 
Wisconsin Board of Regents in 1980, and she represented the children of 
our community for decades with caring and distinction. Edith's 
dedicated leadership contributed immeasurably to the decision to bring 
doctoral programs to the University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee. She was 
also an active steward of institutions including the Greater Milwaukee 
Committee, the Milwaukee Foundation, Milwaukee Area Technical College, 
the National Council of Christians and Jews, the Milwaukee Urban 
League, the NAACP and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.
  Edith Finlayson exemplified our Nation's finest spirit. She was an 
American who defined her citizenship not by her place of birth, but by 
her commitment to the betterment of our community. Though Wisconsin is 
diminished by her loss, we remain inspired by her example.

                          ____________________