[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E71]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING MARY LOUISE PLUNKETT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2008

  Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and say thanks to 
Mary Louise Plunkett one of the most influential people in my life for 
more than 25 years, and one of the most valued members of the Queens 
community for more than 50.
  I was blessed to meet Mary Lu in my early twenties, when I stopped 
into the Queens Democratic County Headquarters while running errands 
for my Uncle Walter. That day was the start of one of the important 
friendships in my personal and political life.
  But, long before Mary Lu became a valued part of my life, she was 
already a valued and well-established force in Queens County.
  Brooklyn-born Mary Lu moved to Jackson Heights in 1949 with her 
husband, Jack. Mary Lu was quick to engage in her community and church, 
and we were just as quick to forgive Mary Lu for her Brooklyn past.
  Mary Lu's foray into politics started when she joined the Amerind 
Democratic Club. She went on to volunteer at Queens County Democratic 
Headquarters, where she became a full time member of the staff in 1956. 
While working at County headquarters, Mary Lu served some of Queens 
finest leaders, including Moses Weinstein, Jim Roe and Tom Manton. And, 
her influence on them and our community was felt by all.
  No political event or dinner was held without Mary Lu and her charm. 
She helped to welcome such dignitaries as Jack Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, 
Jimmy Carter, Hugh Carey, Ed Koch, Mario Cuomo, and Bill and Hillary 
Clinton in to our Queens family.
  Her intelligence, warmth and kindness made all people feel welcome 
and comfortable.
  However, Mary Lu's reach went far beyond local politics. When she was 
not at County headquarters, she was working to create a better Queens. 
For example, she hosted an annual fundraiser to help the children of 
St. Gertrude's Parish in Far Rockaway.
  On top of all she does for others, most important to her is her role 
as mother and grandmother. There is nothing Mary Lu won't or hasn't 
done for her two children--Steven and Jamie and her three 
grandchildren--Matthew, Christopher and Caroline.
  I have tremendous respect for Mary Lu and all she has accomplished, 
but as her friend I am most proud of how she has led her family.
  In the coming weeks, my fellow friends and colleagues in Queens will 
gather to honor Mary Lu for her lifetime of service to Queens, New 
York.
  We will applaud her for her charity, wit and political skill. And, I 
will thank her for being a mentor and friend.
  Mary Lu, congratulations on a lifetime of achievements.

                          ____________________