[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRIS TURNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2012

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a lifelong 
educator and political activist. Chris Turney passed away in December 
at the age of 60. Chris dedicated her life to the education of 
children. Chris was a music teacher for 34 years, and spent the last 20 
years of her career teaching at Lincoln Junior High School in Skokie, 
Illinois. Ms. Turney, as she was known by her students, shared her 
passion and love for music with many students over the years. She 
played a variety of musical instruments including the piano, flute, 
piccolo and guitar. She frequently used these instruments in her 
classroom. Most importantly, Ms. Turney inspired hundreds of children 
to follow their dreams. Ms. Turney encouraged all her students to 
believe in themselves and their own unique skills and abilities as they 
moved through life.
  Outside of the classroom, Chris was a political activist fighting for 
a better education system. Chris was a lifelong Democrat and very 
active in the National Education Association (NEA). She was president 
of the Skokie-Morton Grove Education Association, was the Region 36 
Chair of the Illinois Education Association, and eventually became an 
NEA State Director. As a State Director, Chris was frequently on 
Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress. Some of Chris's favorite 
moments in her life were shaking hands with President Clinton and then 
Senator Barack Obama. After retiring from her teaching career, Chris 
continued to be politically active. She served as the President of the 
DuPage Chapter of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, a position 
she held until her death. She was an advocate for public education and 
for better schools for our children.
  Chris will be missed dearly by her former students, colleagues, 
friends and family. She is survived by her life partner of 30 years, 
James C. Keating, her sisters Judy Goldsmith and Linda Turney, and 
three nephews. She encouraged all three of her nephews to follow their 
dreams which they have done. Her oldest nephew Rob Goldsmith is 
currently an education and labor staffer for Congressman Bruce Braley. 
Jeff Goldsmith is a very successful musician who has written and 
recorded numerous songs and albums. Mark Goldsmith, the youngest 
nephew, is currently an engineering student and baseball player at the 
Colorado School of Mines. Her memory and influence lives on through 
them.
  Chris's memory will live on through the people whom she inspired for 
years to come. She was an agent of change to many. If you knew Chris 
well, she changed your life. Her uplifting, energetic, and positive 
attitude will be missed and she will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________