[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN REMEMBRANCE OF MARGARET BRADFORD-MATTHEWS

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                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2018

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that 
I rise today in remembrance of Margaret Bradford-Matthews.
  Margaret was born in Philadelphia on September 26, 1949. She spent 
much of her youth in service to the A.M.E. Union Church. Shortly after 
graduating from William Penn High School in 1967, Margaret became one 
of the first African-American Pathology Technicians at the former 
Metropolitan Hospital in Philadelphia. She met her soon-to-be husband 
Herman J . Matthews, Jr., known to friends as Pete, that same year. 
Pete and Margaret married in the spring of 1970, at which point 
Margaret left her job at the hospital to raise their family.
  Pete and Margaret were blessed with four children: Peter, Mark, 
Allan, and Heather. Of course, the challenges of raising four young 
children didn't keep Margaret from staying involved in the community. 
She was a Boy Scouts Den Mother, community organizer, volunteer school 
advisor, and more. She loved animals, most of all her dogs Bo and 
Squirt, and would often volunteer at the Camden County Animal Shelter. 
Margaret also had a renowned eye for fashion. Pete's reputation as one 
of the sharpest-dressed men in Philadelphia stems from Margaret's 
influence.
  While Pete may hold the title of President, Margaret's input played a 
vital role in shaping the contracts AFSCME District Council 33 reached 
with the City of Philadelphia. Her importance was recognized when she 
was selected from PA AFL-CIO Women's Committee as a delegate to the 
2000 Democratic National Convention.
  Margaret leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the countless 
lives she touched. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the life and memory of 
Margaret Bradford-Matthews.

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