[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 3 (Thursday, January 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORIAM: MARYJANE DUNSTAN

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to remember and pay tribute 
to a most beloved and accomplished constituent, Maryjane Dunstan, who 
died on December 20, 2002.
  Although most of us knew her as a California resident for over 50 
years, Maryjane was born in Bethlehem, PA, on January 12, 1925, and 
went on to serve in the Waves during WWII. Her pursuit of education 
brought her to San Francisco where she earned both a BA and an MA at 
San Francisco State University. For her excellence as a teacher, she 
was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to Burma where for 4 years she 
taught teachers on methods of teaching English, until the political 
climate in Burma forced her departure in 1962.
  Upon her return, she embarked on a 20 year career at the College of 
Marin in Kentfield, CA, including 12 years as the founder and 
chairwoman of the Communications Department where she developed one of 
the most innovative classes anyone had ever seen: The Future. Her 
coauthored textbooks, ``Worlds In The Making'' and ``Star Sight,'' were 
designed to help students project themselves into a possible and 
desirable future, and to motivate them to create a human and humane 
future for all.
  Those of us who didn't know her through the college, crossed her path 
as the owner of the Artists Proof Bookstore in Larkspur, Marin County, 
or through the Literary Luncheons which brought accomplished writers to 
the community to share their talent.
  In truth, Maryjane's greatest joy came as she continually provided a 
rich milieu for people interested in the large and small issues facing 
the community, intent on her belief that each of us is responsible for 
improving the quality of life around us. She never tired of working to 
help community groups analyze and explore problems and to inspire 
individuals to seek solutions. She understood how to create positive 
change by fostering thoughtful, informed action.
  She was always gracious, willingly taking on the small tasks as well 
as the immense, seemingly impossible projects, always an inspiring role 
model with her passionate interest in the politics, economy and welfare 
of her community.
  For all of this, she has been recognized by her town, her county, and 
her State. In 1989, she received the Larkspur Citizen of the Year Award 
from the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce. In April of 1999 the Marin 
County Commission on Women bestowed upon her the Women of Wisdom, 
Passion and Vision Award. The Marin County Board of Supervisors 
proclaimed June 13, 1999, Maryjane Dunstan Day. Also, in 1999 the 
California State Legislature gave her a Certificate of Recognition for 
her contributions to improve the lives of women. And the California 
State Senate gave her a Certificate of Recognition for distinguished 
service in education. Thanks in large part to Maryjane's work on behalf 
of low cost and senior housing, the Larkspur City Council approved a 
24-unit workforce housing project in December 2002. The developer, the 
Ecumenical Association for Housing will dedicate the building to her in 
honor of her work for affordable housing.
  Maryjane Dunstan leaves a legacy of hope and optimism for any 
community that is willing to work collaboratively to enhance the 
quality of life and create viable, peaceful solutions to all kinds of 
challenges.
  Maryjane will be greatly missed.

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