[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 35 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E274-E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF H. MARIE SMITH'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th 
birthday of H. Marie Smith, an institution in Monroe, Michigan.
  Marie Smith, or Sweet Marie as she is known by many, was born on 
March 1st, 1926 in Monroe, Michigan, which remains her home to this 
day. She married William D. Smith on December 27th, 1947, and had four 
wonderful children; Mark, Paul W., Brian and Alison.
  Marie Smith has been part of the fabric of the Monroe community for 
decades. As a young woman, she worked in the Betrus Market. This market 
was owned and operated by her parents for 47 years and was considered 
the ``meeting place for the neighborhood''. Marie lived in the building 
connected to the market until she married. In 1948, Marie and her 
husband cofounded the Monroe Community Players to produce theatrical 
productions for the people of Monroe and Southeast Michigan. To this 
day, the Monroe Community Players is still working as a nonprofit and 
volunteer organization to produce performances for the community. Even 
though ``Sweet Marie'' has retired, she still helps as a house manager 
for the Monroe Community Players.
  To this day, she lives on her own, drives her own car, is active on 
social media and is critical in keeping people connected to ensure they 
are a part of the broader community. Her children have made her proud. 
Mark was a respected attorney in Monroe. Paul W. is known throughout 
America as the voice of the Great Lakes on the number one radio 
station, WJR. Alison is well-known in the healthcare community as a 
senior executive with ProMedica.
  H. Marie Smith has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life 
for the people of Monroe through her support of and passion for the 
arts in Monroe. She continues the tradition of one of the staple 
markets and community gathering locations, serving as the glue that 
binds people. We celebrate her birthday with

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pride and gratitude for everything she has done for the good of her 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to celebrate the 
90th birthday of my friend H. Marie Smith and wish her many more years 
of success.

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