[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MRS. RUTH TINSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
life of my dear friend Ruth Tinsman. Mrs. Tinsman, beloved wife of the 
late Jerry Tinsman, passed away on April 28, 2012, at the age of 81. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends at this most 
difficult time. She is survived by her daughters Katheline Tinsman and 
Leann Tinsman, sister Patricia O'Rork, three grandchildren, and one 
great-grandchild.
  It was a pleasure to work with Mrs. Tinsman when she served as my 
District Administrator from the time I first assumed office in 1993 
until September 2001. Ruth was a hard-working professional with strong 
morals and values, impeccable work ethic, an undeniable compassion for 
others, in addition to a warm and loving personality. Prior to joining 
my office, Mrs. Tinsman was a Congressional Aide for Congressman 
William Lehman of Florida for 10 years. ``Ruth was great with people 
and my father's constituency. She always looked out for his best 
interest,'' said William Lehman, Jr., son of the late Congressman 
Lehman.
  Mrs. Tinsman has devoted her life to helping others in her community. 
As a resident of the City of Hialeah, Florida for over 50 years, she 
worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life and well-being of all. 
Mrs. Tinsman has served as a dedicated and loyal member of the Hialeah 
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners since January 9, 1990. On 
November 18, 1999, she was elected Chairperson of the Board of 
Commissioners, which she served on for 10 years. The Ruth A. Tinsman 
Pavilion, an elderly development facility, was built and named after 
her in 1996 to honor her work and dedication to the community. 
Additionally, Mrs. Tinsman served on the board of Citrus Health 
Network, as well as President of ``Kids in Dade Society,'' developing 
programs to educate and keep children safe.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Ruth Tinsman will be remembered in South Florida 
for her love of and dedication to her community. Her legacy of care and 
compassion will live on for generations to come in the lives she has 
touched. Ruth was a dear friend and I am truly honored to have known 
her. She will be missed.

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