[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE TIRELESS EFFORTS OF MRS. ANNETTE WOLFE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2012

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I rise in 
recognition of the determined efforts made by Mrs. Annette Wolfe over 
the last 50 years of service to the funeral industry within the great 
State of New York.
  Annette's roots in the funeral industry date back to her grandfather 
in Yonkers, New York. Continuing the family tradition, her father 
passed it down to Annette who partnered with her husband, Buddy Wolfe, 
to become a pioneer in the industry and continue the success of the 
family business.
  A leader among her colleagues, Annette became a masterful fundraiser 
for multiple notable organizations. Annette created a successful 
fundraising blueprint for the Metropolitan Funeral Directors 
Association (MetFDA), a respected professional trade organization that 
has been in operation since 1928. In the 1980's she served as President 
of the Catholic Cemetery Guild and fundraised for the Catholic 
Charities of the Brooklyn and Queens Dioceses. Annette also devoted 
much of her time to fundraising for children's needs during Christmas 
at the Heartshare organization.
  While serving as chair of MetFDA in the late 1970's, Annette derived 
the concept of an annual outing that would aim to build awareness, 
increase membership and raise money for the organization. This was no 
easy take for a strong and outspoken woman among her male colleagues 
who traditionally dominate the funeral industry. Annette single-
handedly introduced several women's programs within the New York State 
Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors 
Association.
  After much perseverance and dedication, Annette was able to organize 
the first golf classic for MetFDA in 1979. Over the last thirty years, 
the proceeds from what has now become an annual tradition, continues to 
support education seminars for funeral directors, produce the 
organizations monthly newsletter, assist members with their needs, and 
maintains three resource centers for members, consumers, and for 
industry advocacy. Last year's golf classic fundraiser, delivered 
$50,000 in income for the MetFDA.
  With more than 50 years of service in the funeral service industry, 
Annette continues to remain active with various industry associations 
working as a knowledgeable and respected consultant. It is with great 
joy, Mr. Speaker, that I ask that you and my fellow colleagues join me 
in celebration of this year's honoree, Ms. Annette Wolfe for her 50 
years of service to my beloved Harlem community and the State of New 
York. She is truly an encouraging figure that has always provided 
exceptional support to the funeral industry both local and national 
levels.

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