[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MARY CANAVAN ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN D. DINGELL-

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 2010

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true 
public servant, Mary Canavan. Mary has been with the Federal Government 
since a week after graduating from college in 1970. After 40 years of 
dedicated work, Mary is retiring this spring.
  Mary is one of two children of Irish immigrants--who like most 
immigrants to the United States--worked incredibly hard to provide for 
their children. The family was a close one, with Mary taking care of 
her parents as they got older. To this day, Mary is incredibly close to 
her brother, a priest, who comes over every Sunday for dinner with his 
sister. A few years back, Mary's brother was in a car accident and was 
hurt severely. Typical for Mary, she stepped up to ensure he got the 
best possible care.
  As I mentioned, just a week after graduating from college, Mary 
joined the Federal Water Quality Administration in June of 1970. She 
joined the Environmental Protection Agency when it was established and 
the Federal Water Quality Administration was abolished. She began her 
career in public affairs and thoroughly enjoyed working with students 
on college campuses. Mary also worked in the water grants program and 
as a State coordinator, working with Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. 
In 1987, Mary became a congressional relations officer and has served 
in that capacity ever since.
  Mary is very involved in her Church, Chicago's 135-year-old Holy Name 
Cathedral. She recently served as head of the parish council. And after 
a fire damaged the cathedral last year, Mary, yet again, stepped up to 
the plate, making sure that the church could continue to accept 
parishioners and guests during construction. She also helped to plan a 
fund-raiser to help with church renovations. Mary continues to plan 
events like the annual gala.
  I have never heard a bad word about Mary Canavan. She is universally 
loved and respected. Mary is a Federal employee of the highest caliber. 
She has served EPA and the offices she deals with tremendously well. I 
know my office will miss her and based on my discussions with the rest 
of the Michigan delegation, we are not alone.
  I wish Mary all the best in retirement, as she looks forward to 
travel and being able to devote more of her time to her Church and her 
beloved brother. I ask all my colleagues to rise and pay tribute to 
Mary Canavan as she leaves Federal service.

                          ____________________