[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE TO LOUISE WILSON LEWIS, 29TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF 
                             THE YEAR--2005

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History 
Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and 
sacrifices made by our nation's women during the month of March. It is 
an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference 
in my Congressional District.
  I would like to recognize an outstanding woman in my Congressional 
District, Louise Wilson Lewis. For many years, Louise has brought an 
abounding spirit and energy to her service in the community. Those 
fortunate enough to meet and work with Louise instantly recognize her 
dedication toward helping others.
  Born and raised in the Glendale area, Louise worked at Walt Disney 
Studios for 14 years until she cofounded Iwerks Entertainment. She was 
able to retire at an early age, which gave her more time to devote to 
her real career--helping other people.
  Louise's description of herself as a ``professional volunteer'' is an 
apt one. She began her volunteer career while in elementary school as a 
math and reading tutor, and an assistant in the Vice Principal's 
office. At age 12, she started teaching Sunday School and continues to 
do so today. At age 16, Louise began volunteering as a candy striper at 
Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center. This year she is 
celebrating 42 years of continuous service, having served several terms 
as President of the hospital's Guild, on the hospital's Community Board 
of Directors, and is the first woman to chair the hospital's Foundation 
Board. In addition, she served 2 terms as President of the San Gabriel 
Area Council of Hospital Volunteers and 2 years on the Volunteer Board 
of the California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. Louise 
also volunteers for Las Candelas, an organization which assists 
emotionally disturbed children.
  Devoted to her church, St. Francis Episcopal Church, Louise has 
volunteered in every volunteer capacity--the Altar Guild, the Thrift 
Shop, Girl's Youth Group, Vacation Bible School, Rose Garden, Junior 
Warden and Senior Warden and is currently Bishop's Warden. She is also 
a Lay Eucharist Minister, a Stephen Minister, and in her spare time 
visits shut-ins and the elderly in retirement homes and convalescent 
hospitals.
  Louise has received several awards over the years including the First 
Volunteer at Glendale Memorial Hospital to serve 500 hours at age 17, 
Uni-Health Hospital System Volunteer of the Year in 1997, recognition 
from the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, and the Glendale Young 
Women's Christian Association Woman of Heart and Excellence in 2004.
  During the last few years, Louise has managed to maintain her active 
volunteer work while battling cancer. Her courage and determination is 
an inspiration to us all. Louise and her husband Tim have been married 
for 32 years and reside in Glendale.
  I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an outstanding woman 
of California's 29th Congressional District, Louise Wilson Lewis. The 
entire community joins me in thanking Louise for her success and 
continued efforts toward making the 29th Congressional District a more 
enjoyable place in which to live and work.

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