[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E764-E765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SUSAN BLACK ELWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Susan Black 
Elwell, a constituent and a woman of strength, courage,

[[Page E765]]

and vision. I am sad to say that Susan just lost her life to cancer, 
but, until her very last weeks, she used her life to make a difference 
in the lives of others. From her work as a founder and director of an 
innovative neighborhood nursery school and her visionary leadership of 
the largest and oldest women's political club in Maryland, to her 
service as a Peace Corps volunteer, Susan sought to enlighten and 
engage others through education and activism.
  Born in North Bay, Ontario and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 
Susan graduated from Chatham College for Women in 1962. She came to 
Washington as a young college graduate, working for the Washington 
Urban League and then the Peace Corps, where she met her husband 
Richard. They served in the Peace Corps together in Niger. After 
returning to the Washington, D.C. area and starting a family, Susan 
became a founder and the first director of the Chevy Chase Baptist 
Church Children's Center for children aged 6 months to 5 years. An 
innovative school, CCBC Children's Center became a much sought-after 
nursery school.
  Susan was an active member of the Chevy Chase Historical Society 
Board. In 2007, she launched a new Historical Society program called 
``History Go-Round,'' a series of programs for residents who love to 
learn about our community's history. The series offered neighbors with 
similar interests guided visits to historical sites, roundtables led by 
distinguished speakers, and exploration of historical sites both in the 
neighborhood and throughout the larger community.
  Susan brought the same creativity and enthusiasm to her leadership of 
the Woman's Suburban Democratic Club, Maryland's oldest and largest 
political group, which celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. As a 
board member and president, she led the group to unprecedented growth 
and activity, encouraging a broader membership and mentoring younger 
members.
  In addition to these achievements, Susan was a Master Gardener, the 
founder of the Chatham College for Women's Washington Area Alumnae 
Club, a Democratic precinct chair, and a lifelong activist. In 2005, 
she was awarded the William Trimble Beatty Award, which is presented to 
a Chatham College volunteer who embodies the spirit and hard work of 
that college's founder, Reverend William Trimble Beatty. Even as she 
has fought her own battle with cancer, she spoke out against the 
shortage of some cancer drugs and the terrible impact these shortages 
have on those who so desperately need them.
   Mr. Speaker, I was honored to know Susan and to represent her in 
Congress. As an elected official, I benefitted from her idealism, 
wisdom, and hard work. More importantly, her strong sense of community 
and her dedication to building a better, more educated and thoughtful 
community made the world a better place, and she will be deeply missed.
  I send my deepest condolences to her husband Richard and son Martin, 
stepsons David, Joe, and Peter, and daughter-in-law, Josie, and ask 
that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to this remarkable woman.

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