[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 160 (Thursday, October 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF SHIRLEY DEMMER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2008

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of 
Shirley Demmer and applaud Bill Demmer's establishment of the Shirley 
Dudek Demmer Summer Chair of Research at the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.
  In 1952, Shirley was born in Detroit, Michigan to a homemaker and a 
General Motors automotive worker. She grew up in a modest neighborhood 
with five siblings. Tragically, at age 13, Shirley lost her mother to 
what was thought to be a stroke, but was later confirmed to be a 
ruptured brain aneurysm. After the passing of her mother, Shirley had 
to grow up fast. In 1975, she met her future husband Bill, with whom 
she would share 30 wonderful years of marriage. In 1978, the Demmers 
moved to Northville, Michigan, and raised their three children. Shirley 
was active in her community, involved in philanthropic efforts 
especially in the area of violence against women. Bill became Chairman 
of the North American International Auto Show.
  At 50, Shirley decided to accomplish one of her life's goals and 
complete her bachelors degree. In 2007, she graduated with highest 
honors from Madonna University with a degree in sociology. Soon 
thereafter, Shirley applied and was accepted into the University of 
Michigan's Gender Studies graduate program. Unfortunately, she never 
had a chance to earn her graduate degree. Sadly, Shirley Demmer died in 
November 2007. Shirley was a person of extreme warmth and caring. She 
touched the lives of many people in her community, and she is sorely 
missed.
  After her passing, Bill sought to learn everything possible about 
brain aneurysms. He found the incidence of brain aneurysms are often 
partly genetic and his mother-in-law had probably died from a ruptured 
brain aneurysm. Consequently, he ensured their children and Shirley's 
siblings were screened for brain aneurysms. Thanks to these screenings, 
Shirley's sister Nancy was found to have a brain aneurysm and underwent 
a successful craniotomy to save her life. In addition, her husband Bill 
provided a grant to establish the Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of 
Research at the Brain Aneurysm Foundation to promote early detection of 
brain aneurysms.
  Fortunately, today there is a greater awareness of brain aneurysms 
and the danger they pose to Americans. Through the efforts of people 
like Bill Demmer and organizations like the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, 
our nation's leaders have become involved in efforts to promote brain 
aneurysm awareness. For on September 26, 2008, Representative Patrick 
Tiberi (OH) introduced H. Res. 1511, which would express support for 
designation of the month of September as ``National Brain Aneurysm 
Awareness Month''.
  Madam Speaker, today, as we remember the life of Shirley Demmer, I 
ask my colleagues to join me in mourning her passing and applauding the 
establishment of the Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research.

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