[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN REMEMBRANCE OF JOAN ALBERT LAWLER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2019

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the life of 
Joan Albert Lawler, a respected businesswoman and passionate 
philanthropist, who touched countless lives by her life and work 
throughout Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Westmoreland 
County, Virginia.
  Born in Syracuse, New York, Joni, grew up in McLean, Virginia. After 
earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont, she worked 
at the U.S. House of Representatives on the staff of Hon. Ron Marlenee 
and Hon. Albert Johnson, as well as the Clerk of the House and the 
Territorial Caucus. The positive feeling of helping others through 
legislation was a foundation for her good works that she continued 
throughout her life. It was here on Capitol Hill that she met her 
husband, John. They opened a watering hole for the young political 
community called ``The Third Party'' and were active members of the 
Congressional Flying Club. While raising her family, Joni earned a real 
estate license and co-founded a financial consulting firm, East West 
Financial Services.
  In 2005, Joni moved with her family full-time to the Northern Neck of 
Virginia where she used her wide-ranging experience in business and 
philanthropy to become a pillar of the community, admired for her 
leadership, generosity, and grace. She served on the boards and 
committees of numerous organizations, creating many fundraising events 
that became beloved local traditions.
  She always volunteered her time and leadership, establishing 
successful fundraising events that became longstanding traditions, with 
Our Lady of Victory Church and the elementary and high schools her 
three daughters attended including Our Lady of Victory School, 
Washington Waldorf School, and St. Margaret's School where she also 
served on the Board of Governors. Joni was guided by her deep faith, 
and spearheaded a successful capital campaign to support the 
construction of a new church rectory and office for St. Paul's Mission 
in Hague, VA. She truly was a doer of good works.
  A pillar in the Commonwealth of Virginia, she was always striving to 
make a difference. I can assure you that our nation and Commonwealth is 
a greater, more successful place, due to her ever-present leadership 
and generosity. She is an example of community leaders that we all wish 
to emulate.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in remembering the life of Joan 
Albert Lawler, a life lived serving her community. Words alone cannot 
express our gratitude. May God bless Joni and her family.

                          ____________________