[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 109 (Wednesday, July 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1369-E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE PASSING OF MYRA HIATT KRAFT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2011

  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in great sadness to mark the 
passing of one of the most beloved residents of Massachusetts, my good 
friend, Mrs. Myra Hiatt Kraft.

[[Page E1370]]

  Myra lived her life according to the Jewish principle of ``Tikkun 
Olam''--to repair the world--striving each day to make our community, 
our country, and our world a better place for the less fortunate. Myra 
was the absolute embodiment of Tikkun Olam, living according to its 
values of justice, compassion, and peace.
  Myra was a community leader and philanthropist without equal. Whether 
it was through the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, the 
Robert K. and Myra H. Kraft Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of 
Boston, or her alma mater Brandeis University, Myra's tireless work 
gave a voice to victims, a stage for performing artists and a home to 
countless disadvantaged youth. Her love for Israel was rivaled only by 
her commitment to making Massachusetts and Boston beacons of social and 
cultural goodwill worldwide. She was guided by an incredibly strong 
moral compass and an unrelenting drive to help others.
  Massachusetts has lost a hometown hero, and the Kraft family also has 
lost a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. My thoughts and prayers 
are with the entire Kraft family and with all of those whose lives have 
been touched by Myra's formidable and gracious spirit. We mourn Myra's 
passing, while we know that her incredible legacy of acts of loving 
kindness will live on forever.

                          ____________________