[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF DR. CLAIRE COLEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today to 
remember and honor the life of a dear friend, Dr. Claire Colman. Claire 
was an accomplished physician, a staunch champion of women's rights, 
and a dedicated Democratic activist.
  Since her passing last December, friends from around the Metro-
Detroit area and Michigan have remembered Claire in various ways, 
including a most fitting dedication by the Birmingham-Bloomfield 
Democratic Club of a park bench in Birmingham's Shain Park. I am 
honored to add my words today to the growing list of tributes of 
Claire's life.
  Claire embodied progressive values and had an abiding passion for 
human rights. She was a tireless leader, ably heading key organizations 
as Michigan NOW and Detroit WAND, even while struggling with serious 
health issues. Through her leadership and activism, Claire was the 
essence of advocacy. Even the most minor task warranted her attention--
she was ever on the phone, at meetings, raising money and raising 
spirits. She remains an example for us all.
  Above all, however, Claire was a loving and devoted wife to Michael 
and mother to Joe and Brian. To both my wife Colleen and I, she was not 
only a dear friend but a trusted advisor and stalwart advocate.
  In so many ways, Claire's passion, energy and enthusiasm for life and 
goodness lives on in each of us. Her memory inspires us to work toward 
a world that expresses our shared values. She is missed. She is 
cherished. And she will always be in our hearts.

                          ____________________