[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              MARIE HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay respects to the 
passing of my friend Marie Harris. Let this congressional insert serve 
as a tribute to her memory and celebration of her meaningful life.
  Marie Harris came to Pacoima in 1960 from Detroit where she 
successfully co-owned the Elite Boulevard House of Fashions and 
captured the ``Formal Award'' in a nationwide competition from the 
National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers, Inc. Her 
professional success continued as she transferred her membership with 
this organization to the Los Angeles Chapter and served as Fashion 
Coordinator, spearheading the unforgettable Designers Showcase at the 
Beverly Hilton in 1963 and 1964. She began tireless efforts producing a 
series of Designers Showcase Fashion Shows to help raise funds to build 
a new edifice and educational unit of the Parks Chapel AME Church in 
Pacoima, and continued her work in the fashion world by becoming a 
columnist for the North East Valley Post writing two columns weekly, 
``Fashions LTD'' and ``Kaleidoscope'' society scoop.
  Marie was known for her spirit of volunteerism and unwavering 
dedication to public service. In 1980, Marie was appointed to the 
Mayor's Committee on the city's Bicentennial Celebration in the 
Sepulveda Basin, which motivated her to produce the Back to Pacoima 
Expo at the Hansen Dam Amphitheater to honor Pacoima's trailblazers. 
One of the many results of Marie's work in Pacoima was the naming of 
``Plaza of the Stars,'' a major shopping center located at Glenoaks and 
Van Nuys Boulevards.
  Marie has a history of community involvement and her invaluable 
service has made an indelible mark on the San Fernando Valley. She was 
on the Board of Directors for the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando 
Valley Vision 2020 and the Commissioner for the Children's Museum and 
Commission for the San Fernando Valley Fair. She was aptly recognized 
as Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Richard Katz, and later appointed 
as an Honorary Mayor of Pacoima by former City of Los Angeles 
Councilman Ernani Bernardi.
  Marie was a devoted mother, and wife for the past fifty years to 
Alvin Harris, deceased in January 2001. She is survived by her three 
children Sidney Alvin, Rolene Marie, Alton Keith and five 
grandchildren.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Marie 
Harris.

                          ____________________