[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE LYDIA GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2013

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
accomplishments of a devoted public servant, a community leader and a 
special friend, Orange County Clerk of Courts Lydia Gardner. With her 
passing on May 8, 2013, her family has lost a loved one and our 
community and the State of Florida have lost a respected and 
accomplished leader.
  Lydia was born in Michigan and graduated from the University of 
Michigan. She also attended Rollins College and the prestigious John F. 
Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. However, it was 
with an early passion for politics that she won the position of Student 
Council President at Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  Prior to serving as Clerk of Courts, Mrs. Gardner distinguished 
herself as an educator, achieved success in real estate and as an 
executive with a Fortune 100 telecommunications company and was later 
elected as member and chairman of the Orange County School Board.
  Lydia was first elected in 2000 and then a subsequent four terms as 
Orange County, Florida's Clerk of Courts. In 2008 her office received 
the Sterling Award for operational excellence awarded by the Governor. 
She has been appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to a number of 
special committees, most recently one to study privacy and court 
records. Lydia lent her support to causes important to her and the 
Central Florida community. She was a strong advocate for the mentally 
ill and was the recipient of the Central Florida Mental Health 
Association's Golden Bell Award. She played a key role in establishing 
the Domestic Violence Commission in Orange County, served on the Jail 
Oversight Committee, Juvenile Justice Commission as well as the Board 
of Directors for the Central Receiving Center. In addition, she has 
served on the Board of the Orlando Science Center and Winter Park 
Chamber of Commerce, which elected her chairman in 2003.
  A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she truly made an indelible 
mark on her family, community and our judicial system. My deepest 
condolences are extended to her husband John, her son Chris and 
daughter Betsy. In addition, Lydia is remembered by her four 
grandchildren and three siblings. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of the 
U.S. House of Representatives join me in recognizing the distinguished 
life and service of Lydia Gardner.

                          ____________________