[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1489-E1490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMARKS IN HONOR OF TECKLA HALL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2003

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great shock and even deeper 
sadness that I come before the United States House of Representatives 
to announce and mourn the untimely passing of my friend Teckla Hall, of 
Co-Op City, the Bronx, New York.
  Teckla Hall was a driven, passionate advocate for the causes she felt 
were important--her community, her family, her ancestral roots.
  She worked tirelessly on every project she undertook, whether serving 
on the board of the Riverbay Corporation, where she continually strived 
to improve the quality of life for all residents; to her service as 
President of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club working to advance 
her political beliefs; to her leadership in the National Council of 
Negro Women. Teckla had a quiet yet powerful voice. She was heard. She 
was listened to. She was respected and admired.
  While I only knew Teckla a short time, the brief 6 months she worked 
as my Office Director in Co-Op City, I admired and respected her.
  When visiting Co-Op City looking for a community representative for 
my Co-Op City office, I continually heard one name--Teckla Hall.
  But she was more than a resume--more than a community leader. She was 
a beloved

[[Page E1490]]

daughter, caring for her mother at her home in Co-Op City; a cherished 
sister, an adored aunt and a good and faithful friend.
  Just recently I was on the House floor discussing her niece and her 
stunning accomplishments. I never thought I would be here again, so 
soon, discussing something so sad.
  When I heard of her death on July 4, I was shocked. She was only 44, 
in the prime of her life and more accomplished than her years.
  All who knew her will feel her loss. She touched many lives--her 
family's, my staff's, constituents' and people throughout New York's 
Seventh District.
  I will do all that can be done to help ease the pain of Teckla's 
family during this tragic time. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
  Today, she was laid to rest but she will always be a part of the 
fabric of Co-Op City.

                          ____________________