[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN TRIBUTE TO THE HON. ELAINE O'BRIEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2014

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great solemnity to share with 
you the recent death of the Honorable Elaine O'Brien. Elaine O'Brien 
was a respected lawmaker and long-term resident of Suffield, 
Connecticut, where she served for the last 20 years as a community 
volunteer and a member of local government.
  Originally from Medford, Massachusetts, Elaine's focus and tenacity 
saw her become the youngest female graduate from the Beverly Airport 
flight school in 1972 before going on to be a pilot and instructor.
  Moving with her family of three sons to Suffield, Connecticut, Elaine 
became an active part of the town in posts including President of the 
Parent Teacher Association; a 13-year elected member of the School 
Committee; and President of the Suffield Rotary Club. Recognized as a 
respected advocate for local issues, Elaine was elected to the Planning 
and Zoning Commission in 1991 followed by the Board of Education in 
1993. Serving for 12 years on the Board of Education, Elaine led 
infrastructure projects as chairman of the Facilities and 
Transportation Committee and played an important role in school program 
development as representative to the Capitol Region Education Council.
  Widely supported by her local constituents in Suffield, East Granby, 
and Windsor, Elaine was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 
2010 as the Representative for the 61st District. Elaine served on the 
House Appropriations, Commerce, and Transportation Committees. 
Garnering bipartisan support to form a manufacturing caucus in the 
Commerce Committee, Elaine has been credited by her colleagues for her 
promotion of job growth in Connecticut manufacturing. Working 
tirelessly to improve local infrastructure, Elaine won key grants for 
projects such as the extension of utilities near Bradley International 
Airport in Suffield, and the construction of an education and 
conference center for the New England Air Museum.
  Re-elected to the District in 2012, Elaine continued as on as a 
passionate legislator for issues including worker safety, health care 
and gun control despite her diagnosis of cancer. Elaine also remained 
on as Suffield Town Clerk, a position she had held since 1998.
  On February 21, 2014, Elaine lost her courageous battle with brain 
cancer at the age of 58, and will be sorely missed by her family and 
Connecticut community. Elaine is succeeded by her husband, three sons, 
and seven stepchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the life 
and extraordinary service of Elaine O'Brien, and offering our 
condolences to the family and friends she leaves behind.

                          ____________________