[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING IRMA DeTIEGE

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Madam President, I wish to ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the illustrious life of Mrs. Irma Gene Hall 
DeTiege, who passed on July 1, 2014, after more than five decades of 
service in the Louisiana community.
  Mrs. DeTiege was born in 1931 in Riverton, LA, which had a total 
population of 40, including livestock. From these humble beginnings, 
she learned lessons of humility and hard work that were embodied 
throughout her entire life. After moving to Monroe, LA and meeting the 
love of her life, Frank G. DeTiege, a graduate of Southern University 
who taught Industrial Arts at Carroll High School, Mrs. DeTiege rode 
the bus to Grambling College every morning. There she received a 
bachelor's of science degree in elementary education, which she would 
later use to become a teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. During her 
tenure, she created enduring changes in a wide breadth of programs that 
impacted and improved the lives of almost every individual who attended 
the school.
  In addition to her efforts as a teacher, Mrs. DeTiege worked 
tirelessly as a newspaper editor, publisher, and columnist for the 
Monroe News Leader and the Monroe News Weekly before she and Mr. 
DeTiege founded the Monroe Dispatch in 1975. Mrs. DeTiege had a vision 
of providing the citizens of Monroe with access to accurate reporting 
at a time when important information in this community was too often 
overlooked. Throughout her career, she remained dedicated to ensuring 
that those in crisis and most in need always had an advocate in the 
community. In this and in all of her tasks, Irma fought for a community 
where people are taken care of, no matter their situation in life. She 
also worked continuously to provide for the prosperity of Louisiana 
citizens for generations to come. This level of devotion to her craft, 
the people of Monroe, and the State of Louisiana is indicative of her 
storied career of service.
  Irma was a wonderful friend to me and my family. She was also an 
inspiration to all those who were impacted by her tireless efforts. It 
is with my heartfelt and greatest sincerity that I ask my colleagues to 
join me along with her son Frank and other family members in 
recognizing the life and many accomplishments of this incredible leader 
and her impact on so many people throughout Louisiana.

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