[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JUDITH WILCOX

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK POCAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Judith 
Wilcox, an extraordinary woman and great friend who dedicated her 
career to helping others. Her compassion, advocacy, knowledge, and 
dedication were on full display throughout her extensive public and 
community service. Judy was a role model and mentor to so many of us in 
the Dane County community. She improved numerous lives in Dane County 
through her work, which focused on expanding and providing housing 
opportunities and the services needed to make those arrangements a 
success.
  Judy was an expert on affordable housing and serving the needs of the 
homeless community, as well as an outspoken champion for mental-health 
and housing for persons with severe mental health needs. She was the 
first woman elected to the Stoughton City Council and sat on numerous 
boards, including the Henry Vilas Zoo Commission and Journey Mental 
Health Center. Judy's community awards and accolades included the YWCA 
Women of Distinction and the Sterling Rose Award for her work on 
housing for persons living with HIV and AIDS and the Arcand Social 
Justice Award for her pioneering work in affordable housing over more 
than three decades.
  I was fortunate enough to serve alongside Judy on the Dane County 
Board, where she represented parts of Madison's Isthmus for 12 years. 
She spoke forcefully and eloquently on these issues, when she chaired 
the Dane County Housing Authority, the Stoughton Housing Authority and 
the Dane County Human Services Board. Judy also helped people with 
disabilities and then people struggling to find housing all over 
Wisconsin in her positions in state government. From her Peace Corps 
service in Gambia to her passion as a chef, she was truly a servant 
leader. Yet she was also as good-humored, cheerful and quick-witted as 
she was generous--Judy never failed to make everyone around her laugh, 
smile, and know they had a friend.
  She passed away after a brief illness last December at age 76 and we 
will gather to celebrate her life, legacy, and friendship this month. I 
am certain there will be no shortage of stories about her warmth, her 
laugh and her fiery belief in fighting for those who have few advocates 
and no voice.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the life 
and service of Judy Wilcox, a colleague, a champion for justice and 
equality, a mentor, and a true friend.

                          ____________________