[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MARY MORRIS LAWRENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life of Mary Morris Lawrence. As a premier photographer, 
trailblazer and free spirit, she helped shatter the glass ceiling for 
female professionals by becoming one of the first female 
photojournalists ever hired by New York's Associated Press in November 
of 1936. Mary was also a vibrant inspiration to her family and friends 
as wife, mother and mentor. She passed away in her Oakland, California 
home on August 12, 2009, at the age of 95.
  Over the span of her globe-trotting career, Mary was columnist and 
Hollywood photographer for New York's progressive tabloid PM, 
photojournalist for Look Magazine, and creator of a variety of award-
winning projects. Her photo of composer Louis Hart even became a U.S. 
postage stamp.
  Mary Morris Lawrence was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 27, 1914. 
She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1936, and often attributed 
her distinct ambitions, creative prowess and ``rebellious ideas'' to 
the time she spent there. In the early years, colleagues described Mary 
as a hard worker with a knack for using her wit to gain access to great 
shots and poignant moments with her small RolleiFlex camera.
  Mary spent six years in Hollywood during her first marriage with 
still photographer Ralph Steiner, with whom she had a daughter, Antonia 
Steiner. Her self-described aggressive nature and creative spirit 
helped her commingle with movie stars. Sunday magazine pieces for PM 
featured Mary's trademark, sleek, black-and-white portraits of silver 
screen luminaries. Her work included shots of Sophia Loren, Gene Kelly, 
Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart and many others.
  Afterward, Mary returned to New York as a magazine freelancer, 
producing work for Life, Mademoiselle and other publications. She also 
started an advertising business out of a Midtown brownstone.
  In 1963, she married Harold Lawrence, producer for Mercury Records, 
and subsequently General Manager of the London Symphony Orchestra and 
Manager of the New York Philharmonic. The family settled in Oakland 
when Harold Lawrence was named president and General Manager of the 
Oakland East Bay Symphony in 1977.
  Mary volunteered locally for the League of Women Voters, ERA, Oakland 
Potluck and Neighborhood Newsletter Task Force. She continued her work, 
photographing music legends like Michael Tilson Thomas and Calvin 
Simmons. She also became a creative partner in her husband's film 
documentaries, later devoting her photographic skills to occasional 
projects for friends.
  Mary Morris Lawrence's tenacious zest for life will inspire 
generations to come. In her life she overcame many obstacles, including 
surviving a brain tumor in her fifties.
  She recently celebrated her 95th birthday with friends at a belly-
dancing restaurant, and undoubtedly, her convivial spirit will continue 
to be a powerful gift to the people she cherished most. She will be 
remembered for her unparalleled passion, wit and bravery.
  Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors an 
incredible and beloved human being, Mary Morris Lawrence. We extend our 
deepest condolences to Mary's husband, daughter, goddaughter, family 
and friends. May her soul rest in peace.