[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 161 (Friday, October 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF MARGARET ``MARDEE'' XIFARAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2019

  Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker. I rise today in recognition of the life 
of Margaret ``MarDee'' Xifaras, a passionate political activist, 
successful lawyer, and a beloved member of the community on the South 
Coast of Massachusetts.
  Born in Winnetka, Illinois, MarDee first came to Massachusetts to 
earn her master's degree at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at 
Tufts University in Medford. Shortly after graduating, MarDee moved to 
New Bedford to help run Congressman Gerry E. Studds' first campaign for 
Congress. Though that first campaign was not successful, MarDec had 
nevertheless found her new home. It was there that she would meet her 
future husband or forty-eight years, John Xifaras.
  Continuing her education, MarDee earned a second master's degree at 
the former Southeastern Massachusetts University in Dartmouth and a law 
degree at Boston University. Soon after, she worked as an assistant 
district attorney, a special assistant to Governor Michael Dukakis, and 
later became a partner at the New Bedford law firm of Lang, Xifaras and 
Bullard.
  With the desire to do more, MarDee worked tirelessly for the 
presidential campaigns of Ted Kennedy, Michael Dukakis, Bill Clinton, 
Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, in many 
instances uprooting herself and moving to where she was needed most. A 
nearly fifty year member of the Massachusetts Democratic State 
Committee, her years of service to the party were deservedly recognized 
when MarDee was elected to the Democratic National Committee by her 
peers.
  Possibly MarDee's greatest accomplishment, however, was the role she 
played in creation of the University of Massachusetts Law School. 
Recognizing the need for a public law school in Massachusetts, MarDee 
fought against private interests to ensure the school's opening. Later 
she would sit on the board of trustees, working tirelessly to guarantee 
that its commitment to the community was fulfilled.
  MarDee left us too soon on October 8th, 2019, at the age of seventy-
four after a long battle with breast cancer. She was an inspiration to 
all that met her and a mentor to many. MarDee would talk to Presidents 
or someone in need with the same respect and dignity. She will long be 
remembered far and wide for her dedication to her community and her 
desire to make the world a better place. In addition to her husband 
John, MarDee is survived by her children Dena, Juliet, Michael, her two 
brothers John and Jim, and six grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Margaret ``MarDee'' 
Xifaras. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her many years 
of dedication to her community.

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