[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARY PETTYS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mary 
Pettys, a beloved member of the Western New York community who died 
tragically when Continental Flight 3407 crashed outside of Buffalo on 
February 12, 2009. This accident was a horrible and shocking tragedy 
for the Pettys family as well as for so many of us in Western New York.
  Mary ``Belle'' Pettys was the third of ten children, and when her 
mother passed away in 2006, Mary nurtured and comforted the whole 
family, supporting her father and her nine siblings. She was a loving 
and selfless woman, devoted to her 38 nieces and nephews. Family was 
always Mary's priority. She was sister and aunt, godmother, confidant, 
matriarch, and companion--a rock for her family.
  What makes her loss all the more sorrowful is that Mary was engaged 
to be married this spring to William Adamski. William called his 
beloved fiancee a ``woman of chance'' who had a passion for playing 
slot machines and even made appearances on the ``Price Is Right'' and 
``The Tonight Show with Jay Leno''. Although the two will never be able 
to celebrate their marriage, we are thankful for the years of love and 
happiness they shared.
  Mary Pettys graduated from Canisius College with a Bachelor's degree 
and a Master's degree, which she put to use in her long career in 
healthcare services. Mary was a devout parishioner of Queen of Heaven 
Church in West Seneca. Donations were made in her honor to the 
scholarship fund established in memory of Mary's mother at Mount Mercy 
Academy in South Buffalo.
  We are grateful for the spirit, great strength and contributions that 
Mary shared with our community throughout the years. As was stated at 
the Memorial Mass held in Mary's honor, ``Mary was the ``Soul'' of the 
Pettys family. There is no more pain for her anymore, only for those of 
her loved ones left behind. We will soldier on knowing that Mary 
wouldn't want it any other way. Her indomitable spirit and smile will 
remain with us forever.'' It is my honor to pay tribute to Mary Pettys' 
life and legacy, a remarkable woman who will be missed beyond measure. 
Our hearts and prayers remain with Mary Pettys and her family, as with 
all of the victims of Flight 3407.

                          ____________________