[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF SUSAN T. KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I rise to pay 
tribute to the life and work of my longtime friend, Susan T. Kennedy, 
who passed away on April 17, 2004. Susie was a great woman and an 
exceptional public servant. We will miss her terribly.
  Susie's life was one of service and political and community activism. 
Beginning with her work with the Service Employees Union, Susie was a 
tireless advocate of labor. At the age of 21, she was elected to the 
San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee--the youngest ever to 
serve--and was reelected for the next 25 years.
  In 1962, Susie joined the staff of Democratic Assemblyman Phillip 
Burton. Upon his election to Congress, she became his Administrative 
Assistant, supervising his District Office in San Francisco. She was 
his trusted advisor, and he depended on her great political instincts, 
judgment, and understanding of the people of San Francisco.
  Susie was absolutely committed to the constituents and elected 
officials she served. After working for both Phil and Sala Burton for 
25 years, she graciously and expertly helped with my transition to 
Congress after I won a special election in 1987 to succeed Sala Burton. 
I will never forget her support and friendship. Susie later joined with 
the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to help create a lasting 
memorial to Congressman Phil Burton.
  Susan Kennedy was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. To her 
sons, Marc and Frank, and to her sisters and brothers, Dolores, Bernie, 
Mary, Walter, Kathleen and Tom, thank you for sharing your beloved 
Susie with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of her family at 
this sad time.

                          ____________________