[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E403-E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF ELEANOR SLATER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2006

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Eleanor 
Slater, a great friend who recently passed away. Known as the grande 
dame of Rhode Island Democratic politics, Eleanor blazed trails for 
women in our state and will be greatly missed.
  She began her distinguished political career in 1958 when she was 
elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives where she served 
four terms. She then ran successfully for the Rhode Island Senate. 
While in the Senate, she championed what is believed to be the first 
Fair Housing Act in the country. Eleanor was also vocal on mental 
health and gerontology issues, and in 1969 became the chief of the 
former Division on Aging.
  After 18 years in public service, Eleanor decided to pursue other 
interests, which included receiving a degree in political science from 
the University of Rhode Island at the age of 70. She remained 
instrumental in the Democratic Party and was a fixture at numerous 
Democratic National Conventions as a delegate.
  Always thinking of the next generation, she was a great advisor for 
many former and current politicians, including myself. She had the

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foresight and belief that I could run for Secretary of State and win 
that race--which I did. She served as an honorary chair on many of my 
campaigns and taught me valuable lessons that I still use today.
  While her dedication to the Democratic Party and the state of Rhode 
Island was great, Eleanor was above all dedicated to her family, and my 
thoughts and prayers are with her two sons, William and Thomas; her 
brother Robert Boland; her sister, Dorothy Merrill; her four 
grandchildren; and her five great grandchildren.
  While I am sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful woman, at 97 years 
old, we should celebrate Eleanor's long, distinguished life. Eleanor, 
you made a difference.

                          ____________________