[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MARY ``EDITH'' LOCKARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2017

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, communities thrive when hard work, 
dedication, and sacrifice are set by the example of its residents. In 
Yonkers, no one has set that example better than Mary ``Edith'' 
Lockard.
  Edith was born in Yonkers in 1924 to Andrew and Mary Lena Deloatch. 
She was the youngest of 6 and the only girl. After graduating from 
Yonkers High School, Edith earned her Associates Degree in Early 
Childhood Development from Pace University.
  Edith has been the life-blood of Messiah Baptist Church for over 76 
years. In April of 1940 she was baptized on Easter Sunday at the 
church, and has remained an active member serving the parish in any 
capacity needed.
  Following high school, Edith focused on raising her family with her 
husband, Wilfred Lockard. She got involved volunteering in the Yonkers 
school district and eventually served as the Vice President of the 
Parents Teachers Association (PTA). She also served at the South 
Yonkers Youth Council, an organization dedicated to fostering growth 
and development for the youth in the community through after school 
care and activities. They also held summer day camps which exposed the 
youth to cultural and sporting events, positive role models, and 
educational opportunities.
  After her beloved husband Wilfred passed away, Edith began 
volunteering at St. John's Hospital. She faithfully served in the 
mailroom on Thursdays from 1995 to 2001. In 1995 she also became a 
member of the Nepperhan Senior Center--Senior Group No. 15--located on 
Warburton Avenue. For over a decade, Edith has faithfully worked for 
the Yonkers Parks and Recreation.
  For as active as Edith is in the community, her true passion has 
always been her family. She is the proud mother of her four children: 
Juanita, Tyrone, Lindsay, and Lila, she has eight grandchildren, seven 
great grandchildren, and, remarkably, 9 great-great grandchildren.
  Edith's commitment to helping others has been an inspiration to those 
in her community and beyond. I want to congratulate Edith for all of 
her hard, selfless work, and I want to wish her a very happy 93rd 
birthday on September 9, 2017.

                          ____________________