[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 108 (Friday, June 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN LOVING MEMORY OF DEVON PFEIFER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. HIMES

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2017

  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend and 
public servant, Devon Joan Pfeifer of Weston, Connecticut, who we lost 
far too soon. A dedicated and loving mother, beloved community leader, 
and passionate activist, Devon lived her life devoted to helping the 
lives of others, fighting for equal rights for all, and championing 
opportunities for the poor and working class.
   The daughter of a carpenter and labor leader, Devon embraced the 
struggle she found in the labor movement: fair pay and a helping hand 
for the least fortunate. She brought this spirit of compassion to many 
volunteer causes throughout Fairfield County, caring for those with 
disabilities and helping struggling schoolchildren learn to read. She 
cared deeply for the people she helped, and encouraged everyone to do 
as much good as they can, for all they can, as long as they can.
   A lifelong Democrat and progressive, Devon served terms as Chair of 
the Weston and Fairfield Democratic Town Committees and as a member of 
the Weston Board of Education. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes 
to elect Democrats to local, state and federal offices. Her work 
embodied the very best of local political organizing; people coming 
together to support a shared vision for a brighter future. She drew 
people in to the hard work of creating change with powerful words, an 
infectious laugh, and seemingly endless energy. She inspired many young 
people in Fairfield County to pursue public service, mentoring and 
grooming them into leaders, and I know that today she is proud of their 
progress and the great work that they do. She always served as our 
collective conscience, willing us to do more and to do better.
   Her activism lives on through her children--Conor and Maevereen--
whom she loved so dearly and within whom she instilled a rebel attitude 
and fierce sense of civic duty. Devon always strove for equal rights 
for all people, and her love for her children made her even more 
dedicated to the fight to make a more equal world for them.
   Fairfield County and the State of Connecticut have lost a titan. We 
owe a debt of gratitude to Devon and I know I, and many others, will 
continue to be inspired and guided by her. Her legacy is and will 
continue to be one of service, love, and dedication.

                          ____________________