[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE JANET POSS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2019

  Ms. DeLAURA. Madam Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts but the 
greatest of memories that I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable 
Janet Poss as family, friends, and colleagues gather to remember her 
invaluable contributions to the Guilford community. We lost Jan earlier 
this year and at the age of ninety-six she certainly lived a full life, 
but her presence will most certainly be missed by all of those 
fortunate enough to have known her.
  Jan was one of the community giants on whose shoulders we all stand. 
She was incredibly generous with her time and energy, serving on a 
myriad of boards and commissions throughout her life. The Youth 
Services Board, the Guilford ABC program, the East Shore Adult Daycare 
Center, the Human Services Council of Guilford, Guilford Interfaith 
Housing, and the East Shore League of Women Voters are just some of the 
organizations she dedicated countless hours to over the years.
  In addition to that, Jan also served in public life, having been 
elected as both a member of the Guilford Board of Selectmen and as the 
State Representative for Connecticut's 98th District. She was best 
known for no-nonsense personality--she worked on behalf of the people 
she served and did not apologize for doing what she believed was right. 
Jan was also known as a voice of reason during the most heated of 
debates.
  Jan was also a mentor to many in the community who followed her in 
public service. There are many who can tell you stories of her sitting 
down with those interested in seeking public office and working out a 
strategy to ensure an election night victory. I have the fondest of 
memories of Jan from when I first ran for office. She was an 
extraordinary sounding board and had a great sense of humor. I consider 
myself fortunate to have called her my friend.
  It extend my deepest sympathies to Jan's family and hope that they 
know what a remarkable impact she had on all of those who knew her. Jan 
has left an indelible mark on the Guilford community and a legacy of 
service and dedication to which we all should strive.

                          ____________________