[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             ANNE OTTERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, San Diego recently lost a 
giant presence in our community with the passing of Anne Otterson.
  Anne was a beloved part of San Diego, and she concentrated so much of 
her life to giving back. Through her work as an activist and 
philanthropist with Project Concern International (PCI) and the 
University of California San Diego, she left behind an enormous impact 
on the community.
  A former Fulbright scholar, she was very quick and intelligent, but 
in a way that was inclusive and encouraging of those around her. Anne 
had an ability to bring people in. She was always listening and wanted 
to learn about other people's experiences.
  She had a dedication to helping her community and used her resources 
and talents to do just that. Anne was a celebrated chef and teacher at 
the local culinary school Perfect Pan School of Cooking. She took that 
passion to the next level and used it for the good of others by 
establishing the annual Celebrity Chefs Cook Gala in 1981--this event 
has gone on for decades and has raised over $9 million for cancer 
research and care at UCSD's Moores Cancer Centers.
  Anne had a wonderful sense of humor, she was engaging, and had a 
presence that made people feel good. People just liked being around 
her.
  I was lucky enough to have spent time with Anne, and what always 
struck me about her was her strong sense of service. Her genuine 
interest was advancing PCI's mission: spreading women's empowerment, 
democracy and creating opportunity.
  Of all her many accomplishments, Anne considered her children and 
grandchildren to be her greatest achievements. She leaves behind a 
proud legacy.
  I also love what she described as her philosophy of life--I think it 
spells out the way she saw the world and how we can all learn from her. 
Anne said, ``Laugh at yourself, be curious and care about others, and 
listen to the world about you--whether it is the babbling brook, the 
melodious sounds of a flute, or the plaintive cry of oppressed 
people.''
  These are the words that Anne Otterson lived by and they are an 
inspiration that lives on.