[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1216-E1217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING LORRAINE ``LORRIE'' LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lorrie Lewis, who 
passed away this August in Novato, California, at the age of 72. A 
lifelong advocate for people with developmental disabilities, Mrs. 
Lewis was defined by her radiant warmth, focused passion, and 
unremitting selfless actions.
   Calling Mrs. Lewis an inspiration does not capture her complete 
dedication to helping others. After managing a group home in the North 
Bay with her husband, Jim, the couple co-founded the Institute for 
Abundant Living (IAL) in 1995. Since then, the Institute has provided 
educational opportunities to people living with developmental 
disabilities, pushing them to achieve more academically and equipping 
them with skills to succeed personally and professionally.
   I can attest to the hard work and enthusiasm of both staff and 
students through my firsthand observations when visiting the Institute 
for Abundant Living over the years. The organization plays an important 
role in the North Bay and has touched innumerable lives in its two 
decades of operation. Marin County was truly lucky to count Mrs. Lewis 
as an activist and neighbor.
   Mrs. Lewis was active in her faith community and loved nothing more 
than being with her family. She will be missed far beyond those 
circles, however, as her unyielding efforts will continue to impact our 
community for years to come. It is therefore appropriate that we pay 
tribute to her today and express our deepest condolences to Jim, her 
sons Andy and Kirt Lewis, and her grandchildren.

[[Page E1217]]

  

                          ____________________