[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 10, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE OF MRS. KAY BEARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 10, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Kay Beard 
for her lifetime of distinguished service to our county and our state. 
Kay's commitment to our community has enriched the lives of so many and 
helped guide many of today's leaders in our region towards greater 
success.
  Kay was born in Detroit in 1921 and had a reputation as a proud and 
feisty Irish American. In 1946, Kay married the late Jerry Beard after 
he returned from World War II and together, they raised five children. 
With her strong focus on family and community, Kay became more involved 
in politics joining Citizens for Educational Freedom and eventually 
running unsuccessfully for State Representative. Undeterred, Kay kept 
at it and in 1978 was appointed to the Wayne County Commission where 
she was then elected to fifteen consecutive terms, until her retirement 
in 2008. During that time, Kay developed a reputation as an outspoken 
force to be reckoned with in Wayne County Government. She cared deeply 
about serving the constituents of her district, and did so with 
distinction for thirty years.
  Kay was a beloved mother of five, grandmother of three, sister, and a 
loving wife to her late husband Jerry. Kay was deeply involved in a 
wide array of community initiatives including the United Way Community 
Services Board, the Blue Cross Senior Advisory Council, the National 
Council for School-to-Work Opportunities, and was a founding member of 
Hospices of Michigan, just to name a few. She did this work because it 
was good for the community and in doing so; she set an example for what 
it meant to be a committed public servant of the highest order.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Mrs. Kay 
Beard for her lifetime of service to our community. I considered her a 
friend and a role model, and while her service to us will be 
remembered, her loss will be felt for a long time to come.

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