[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HONORABLE MARY WARREN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 7, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the Honorable Mary 
Warren for her life long commitment to serving her community.
  Sadly, Mary passed away suddenly on this past Sunday, November 4, 
2001. She began her long career in community service with the New York 
City Housing Authority (NYCHA). During her thirteen years at NYCHA, 
Mary held a variety of positions; she worked as a Community Associate, 
Community Liaison, and Community Service Aide. She was an expert on New 
York City Housing programs. While she worked for NYCHA, she volunteered 
for her East New York community as the spokesperson for the Community 
Police Precinct Council. In addition, she organized tenant patrols, 
youth patrols, and led her tenant association.
  After a rewarding career at NYCHA, I was able to lure Mary and her 
housing expertise to my staff as my Special Assistant. In this role, 
Mary proved herself to be an outstanding advocate on behalf of 
community residents. Also, she was a tireless worker, organizing 
events, working with constituents, and acting as my liaison to groups 
and agencies concerning crime, drugs, and, most importantly, housing.
  Of course, Mary's service to her community never ended at the end of 
the work day, she also continued to be involved with both the youth and 
elderly in her community. As the Community Relations Associate for the 
Wartburg Lutheran Home for the Aging, Mary developed and implemented 
marketing strategies to increase participation for Meals-on-Wheels, 
Adult Day Health Care, Senior Housing and at the nursing home itself. 
This effort required the ability to work closely with people from the 
community of all different backgrounds, an area in which Mary excelled. 
Her outgoing personality served her well as the Recreation Specialist 
for the New York City Parks Department's Brownsville Recreation Center. 
Here, she served as Program Coordinator and Registration Supervisor for 
the various school and summer programs.
  In addition, Mary had five children, 15 grandchildren, and one great-
grandchild and was still an active volunteer in her Brooklyn community. 
She served as the District Leader for the 40th Assembly District for 
three terms. Finally, as a testimonial of her passion for providing 
affordable housing to her community and her devotion to the children of 
East New York, she served as the President of the Long Island Baptist 
Tenant Association at Unity Plaza Housing for over 20 years.
  Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Mary Warren devoted her life to serving 
her community on all levels and was an invaluable member of the 
community and my staff. She will truly be missed. As such, she is more 
than worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my 
colleagues will join me in honoring the life of this truly remarkable 
community leader.

                          ____________________