[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN REMEMBRANCE OF LILLIAN KESSLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2003

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my longtime friend 
Lillian Kessler. It is with sadness that I announce Lillian's recent 
passing. She resided in my 13th congressional district and I was 
pleased and proud to have her support and friendship for many years.
  As a truly committed political and community activist, Lillian spent 
years volunteering in the community and working tirelessly to elect 
individuals to public office. She was proud to call herself a Democrat 
for more than 50 years. Lillian and her husband Mike were the first two 
people to encourage me to seek my present office in Congress.
  Lillian was an active member in the Hayward Demos Democratic Club. 
Her fellow club members describe her as ``a tower of strength for their 
club, the Democratic Party and progressives everywhere. She was a 
quintessential activist, organizing precinct walking, phone banks, 
fundraisers, all the necessary jobs to run and win grassroots 
campaigns.''
  I shall remember with fondness and admiration Lillian's passion, 
strength and perseverance to make a difference. She believed that just 
one progressive idea or action, no matter how small, could strengthen 
each and every community for the better.
  Lillian will be sorely missed by me and all who knew her. My thoughts 
and condolences are with her husband Mike and her children, Civia and 
Stuart.

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