[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 202 (Friday, December 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1724-E1725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE MEMORY OF BARBARA J. HOOVER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS R. SUOZZI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 21, 2018

  Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and remember Barbara 
Jeanne Hoover who passed away October 14, of this year. Unwaveringly 
altruistic, Barbara learned early the importance of family, dedication, 
and community.
  Barbara was born on September 4, 1953 in Jamaica, Queens, New York. 
After graduating from St. John's College, she was employed in Human 
Resources for Citibank, in New York City.
  It was at Citibank where Barbara met the man of her dreams and future 
husband, James Hoover. They were quickly married and it wasn't long 
before Barbara gave birth to their first son, Bradley. Barbara chose to 
leave Citibank, eager to build a loving home for her family. She would 
later give birth to two more boys, Courtney and Logan.
  It is without question that Barbara's number one passion day in and 
day out was her three sons. Her unconditional love, devotion, patience, 
attentiveness, and personal sacrifice were unwavering.
  Her ability to see beauty in the world fueled her passion for the 
environment and gardening. She was a member of the North Country Garden 
Club and her tenure was defined by impeccable leadership. Over the 
course of twenty years, she served as President, Chair of the 
Communications Committee, and most recently as Co-Chair of the Projects 
Committee. She pioneered a new era in the Club's communications, 
bringing a fresh, engaging design to the quarterly Gazette and even 
creating a new website.
  Her leadership never went unnoticed and was often celebrated. She was 
given the Mentor Award for her many contributions to the NCGC for her 
bravery and ability to handle roadblocks with grace and dignity. Never 
boastful, Barbara was eager to share her expertise and wisdom to NCGC 
newcomers. Always happy to hold meetings in her house, her three 
English Springer Spaniels, her other passion, were always at her side.
  Barbara's commitment to the environment did not stop there. From 2007 
to 2011, she worked on the staff of the North Shore Land Alliance, a 
non-profit devoted to the conservation of land on Long Island. She 
tirelessly planned and executed fundraisers, advocacy campaigns, 
meetings with elected officials, and countless other events to protect 
the place she called home.
  Barbara felt strongly about having a first-rate community hospital 
and tirelessly worked to provide her support for the Glen Cove 
Hospital, where she was a founding member of the Advisory Council and 
served as its Chairman since 2011. Her family witnessed the 
appreciation for her by the numerous interactions with the hospital 
staff during her frequent visits as a patient. She, in turn, was always 
thankful to anyone who helped her, no matter how small the gesture.
  Always wanting to ease the burden for others and take on more 
responsibility, Barbara deliberately and thoughtfully gave her family a 
short eulogy a few days before her death:


[[Page E1725]]


  

       ``I did not live an extraordinary life, but I lived the 
     life I chose. I chose the man I adored to marry, and I loved 
     the man I chose. And we raised the three most beautiful and 
     joyous boys. I was born into a beautiful family with two 
     sisters and a brother. I was blessed with the best life 
     raising my joyous boys, and they kept me laughing all the 
     way. I had meaningful work, through which I developed some of 
     my best friends.
       I enjoyed being on the staff of the Land Alliance, and I 
     loved my service to the Glen Cove Hospital and the North 
     Country Garden Club.
       I lived my life well and I lived in peace. My many friends 
     have been caring and generous to me; and I will miss them all 
     greatly.''

  Barbara's devotion to her family and our community will be sorely 
missed. While she leaves behind large shoes to fill, she also leaves 
behind a life to aspire to.

                          ____________________