[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING LUCILLE COUGHLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2003

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in recognition of 
a truly amazing woman, Lucille Coughlin. Last year, Lucille was named 
the top usher at Wrigley Field, home of the World Famous Chicago Cubs. 
While we are all extremely proud of Lucille for becoming the Cubs' 
``top usher,'' we are even more impressed that she achieved this at 88 
years young.
  A true Chicago Northsider, Lucille is a graduate of Lakeview High 
School--one of Chicago's finest public schools. She was married at St. 
Andrew Parish and lived 40 years of her life in the Sauganash 
neighborhood. Lucille raised three children, one of whom is our own 
Chaplain, Reverend Daniel Coughlin. Today, she lives near Lake Michigan 
and enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren and eight great-
grandchildren.
  Approximately 15 years ago, Lucille and her friends at St. Andrew 
began looking for ways to stay involved in their community. After 
exploring a few options, they decided on working at Wrigley. Among the 
original group of St. Andrew's parishioners who began ushering at 
Wrigley Field, only Lucille remains, working nearly every day. Because 
she is universally loved and recognized for her cheerful and friendly 
demeanor, I share the joy felt by so many thousands of Cubs fans who 
are thrilled she has been honored with the Usher of the Year award for 
the 2002 season.
  During her years at Wrigley, Lucille has witnessed the addition of 
lights to the field, rejoiced when the Cubs won the National League 
East title in 1989, lamented the retirement of Cub legend Ryan 
Sandberg, mourned the loss of Harry Carey, and celebrated many of Sammy 
Sosa's 505 home runs. Knowing Lucille, she'll be around when the Cubs 
finally return to the World Series.
  But if you ask Lucille why she still works, she will tell you that 
it's partly to stay active, but mostly because of the great friends she 
has made. As an usher she has met some of the players, past and 
present, as well as many important public officials. But, as 
interesting as the VIPs are, it is the strong bonds she has made with 
co-workers and fans which keeps her coming back.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Chicago home because of people like 
Lucille. When she retired, she chose to stay active and involved in the 
community she has called home for more than 88 years. This August, 
Lucille will turn 89, and I hope to see her at Wrigley for years to 
come. Lucille Coughlin is a great Chicagoan. I congratulate her on her 
successes, and I wish her a happy birthday and the best in whatever 
life sends her way.

                          ____________________