[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E41-E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JANE FAGERSTROM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to remember the 
life of a proud Chautauqua County leader. Jane Fagerstrom, born April 
1, 1927, to Floyd and Bertha Alden Nelson, passed away on January 6, 
2006, at the age of 79. She left behind a legacy for all Chautauqua 
County residents to be proud of.
  A compassionate and dynamic woman, Jane Fagerstrom was a strong 
leader who had a real desire to help the working people of Chautauqua 
County. She served her community for over four decades and was a 
pioneer in the Chautauqua County legislature, serving as the first 
chairperson between 2000 and 2002.
  Jane began her career in 1963 as a secretary for Joe Gerace, Sr., who 
was a lawyer at the time and also served as supervisor for the town of 
Busti. When Gerace became the first county executive in 1975, Mrs. 
Fagerstrom stayed with him and played an integral role in helping run 
the county's executive branch.
  As the former director of Chautauqua's Comprehensive Employment 
Training Administration, and through her efforts to support the 
Manufacturing Technology Institute, Jane will be remembered for her 
efforts to help those without work.
  She was also a past president of the Joint Neighborhood Project, a 
founding member of the Resource Center board of directors, she served 
on the Research and Strategic Planning Council, the planning committee 
of the United Way, was commissioner of the Civil Service in Jamestown, 
was on the advisory committee of Habitat for Humanity, the Interfaith 
Volunteer Program, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Board of Trustees of 
Jamestown Community College and the SALT organization.
  Mrs. Fagerstrom was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 
years, John W. Fagerstrom, whom she wed September 21, 1946, and who 
passed away on November 25, 1997. Surviving her are her three sons, 
John W. (Ann) Fagerstrom of Jamestown, Jeffrey L. Fagerstrom of 
Billings, Montana and David A. (Deb) Fagerstrom of Cherry Creek; two 
granddaughters, Nikki (Kevin) Pierce of Jamestown and Ashley Fagerstrom 
of Billings; two great-grandchildren, Kal and Addie Pierce; her sister, 
Dorothy Olson of Jamestown; and several nieces and nephews.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to remember and 
celebrate the life of Jane Fagerstrom and remember her contributions to 
her community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring her spirit 
here today.

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