[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 152 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1804-E1805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF CARY MARIE FAIRCHILD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 11, 2014

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise with Congressman Earl Blumenauer 
and Congressman Kurt Schrader to honor the life of Cary Marie 
Fairchild, an Oregonian who tragically lost her life as the result of a 
car accident in October of 2014.
   Cary was a force of nature who served her community with kindness, 
compassion, and joy. Born in New York City, Cary moved with her family, 
several times before moving to Hammond, Indiana, where she was raised 
with her three younger siblings. Growing up, Cary was a natural-born 
leader. She was the center of her family who not only depended on her, 
but enjoyed the wild ride. Cary graduated from Hammond Morton High 
School and attended Ripon College, studying language abroad in 
Lausanne, Switzerland. Cary graduated with honors from Indiana 
University and went on to receive her Masters in Psychology from 
Valparaiso University. She also completed the course work required for 
a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Illinois School of 
Professional Psychology in Chicago.
   After high school, Cary married Terry Luchene. They had two 
children, Aaron and Ann. Cary was a very devoted mother who adored her 
children and her grandson, Logan.
   Cary met Jim, her husband of over 30 years, when they both worked as 
therapists in the same mental health center in Valparaiso. In 1989, 
they moved to Oregon. They sold everything that didn't fit into a 
rental truck and

[[Page E1805]]

set out for Portland. Although they didn't know anyone in Portland and 
didn't have jobs, they knew where they were meant to be and trusted in 
their ability to make a new life in a place they loved.
   Cary worked at the Oregon State Hospital, where she was employed as 
a Mental Health Specialist for almost 25 years. She was an outspoken 
advocate for her patients and fellow workers. Cary championed patient 
rights and fought to bring the option of alternative care to the 
hospital. She was instrumental in starting successful yoga and 
mindfulness meditation programs at OHS. These programs were well-liked 
and well-attended. Many of Cary's patients sent her notes affirming how 
very helpful yoga and meditation are to their recovery.
   One of Cary's colleagues said, ``Speaking up for alternative care in 
the workplace can take courage. Cary treated her patients with 
compassion, dignity and respect, and they loved her for it. She was 
fierce!'' Cary's family and friends will forever remember her for her 
caring, compassionate, playful nature and for the joy she brought to 
all their lives. Cary was loved by everyone who knew her and she is 
terribly missed.
   Cary is survived by her husband Jim, and mother, Eileen Zneimer of 
Portland; father, Jack Zneimer of Sarasota, FL; son Aaron Luchene of 
Canby; daughter, Ann Klug of Merrillville, IN; brothers Peter Zneimer 
of Chicago and John Zneimer of LaCrosse, WI; and sister Maud of Mill 
Valley, CA.
   We send our sincere condolences to her family, and join in the 
celebration of her life.

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