[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 5, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JUDGE CAROL A. CONNOR

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 5, 2016

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor my dear friend, the Honorable Judge Carol A. Connor. Carol 
represented the best of our great State of New Mexico: she was a loving 
mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a loyal friend to many, a 
brilliant, hard-working and talented lawyer and judge, and a dedicated 
advocate for the rights of women, Native Americans, and the 
environment.
  Carol was born in Wolf Point, Montana to Lora M. Worthington and Fred 
Whitebear Connor on December 31, 1941 and belonged to the Assinibione 
Sioux tribe. After she graduated from the University of New Mexico Law 
School in 1978, Carol began an extraordinary career representing 
numerous tribes across the country. The capstone of her career was her 
appointment to sit on the bench as a Federal Administrative Law Judge, 
where she served for 20 years.
  In addition to her prolific career, Carol helped establish the New 
Mexico Women's Bar Association. She lived a life dedicated to serving 
others and fighting for the rights of those in need.
  Carol's greatest joy in life was her family whom she cherished. After 
meeting in Normandy, France, Carol married Jacques Lacan. They spent 
their time together in Albuquerque, in the company of family, friends, 
and their three dogs: Bisoux Boy I, Bisoux Boy II, and Kissy Face. 
Carol's passion and love of life touched all those she encountered; her 
mark on the world is truly endless.
  On May 10, 2016, Carol passed away at the age of 74 surrounded by her 
family. She was preceded in death by her loving son, Robert. Surviving 
her are her husband, Jacques, her daughters, Cindy Montgomery and Lori 
Matier Vittatoe, as well as her 4 grandchildren, and 5 great-
grandchildren.
  Carol was a true friend and we will all miss her dearly. I cherish 
our friendship and all of the wonderful contributions she has made to 
our state. Her memory and legacy is a blessing to us all.

                          ____________________