[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 136 (Thursday, September 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      REMEMBERING LENETTE FREEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2009

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a dear 
friend to the community of Muncie, Indiana.
  Lenette Freeman, known to all as a giving and determined woman, 
passed away following a five year battle with cancer. Though the pain 
of her passing is deeply felt, we will continue to be inspired by the 
life she led.
  Lenette Freeman was born on October 29, 1958, in Evanston, Illinois 
to Leonard and Dolores Hartowicz. A graduate of Taft High School in 
Chicago, Lenette went on to receive her bachelor's degree and a 
teaching certificate from Northern Illinois University.
  In 1987, Lenette moved to Muncie, where she would become an active 
leader and vital asset in this eastern Indiana Community. She was a 
member of the Lutheran Church of the Cross, the Rotary Club, the Muncie 
Endurathon, and co-founder of the youth Academy for Community 
Leadership. For 4 years, Lenette served as the executive director of 
the Muncie Children's Museum, a children's educational learning 
facility in the community.
  When the City of Muncie authorized the creation of a Mayor's Youth 
Council in 2002, Lenette volunteered countless hours as a mentor to the 
young students on the founding Council and remained active in the years 
to follow. Her impact on the members of the Mayor's Youth Council, as 
well as the effect the Council had in the community, will be felt far 
into the future.
  In 2004, Lenette was named director of the Cardinal Greenway. The 
Cardinal Greenway is a series of recreational trails spanning 27 miles 
throughout my district. Lenette was keenly aware of the benefits of 
these trails and advocated for its continued development. Her passion 
and dedication to the preservation and extension of the trails will 
forever be remembered by a grateful community.
  Just one month after becoming Director of the Cardinal Greenway, 
Lenette was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than succumbing to feelings 
of self-pity and defeat, Lenette said her diagnosis was a ``blessing in 
disguise'' that resulted in a greater appreciation of people and deeper 
relationships with them. Despite her illness, Lenette was a determined 
fighter and continued her work with the Greenway, holding meetings in 
her home and working via teleconference when necessary.
  Lenette's determination was evident not only in her work, but in her 
personal life. She was the proud mother of three boys, and she 
encouraged each of them to pursue their own individual talents and 
goals. Fondly referred to as her ``cowboys,'' her boys were undoubtedly 
a major source of strength and inspiration in Lenette's fight against 
cancer.
  Lenette will be sorely missed by her sons, her mother and three 
siblings, those fortunate enough to know her, as well as the entire 
Muncie Community.
  We have lost an important figure in the Muncie community, but I know 
that Lenette's legacy will not soon be forgotten. Let us keep Lenette's 
three boys, family, and cherished friends in our prayers during this 
difficult time.

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