[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 205 (Wednesday, December 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1609-E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF EVELYN M. VIRNIG

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 18, 2019

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an 
extraordinary woman, Evelyn M. Virnig who passed away on November 30, 
2019 at the age of 93.
  Evelyn Margaret Mary Theresa Brandenburger Virnig is lovingly 
remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, friend and 
community supporter by her 7 children, 19 grandchildren, 37 great-
grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, 4 siblings and countless 
other family and friends. In

[[Page E1610]]

fact, family and friends came to call her ``Evelyn of the Angels'' for 
the love she showed for all through her many good deeds.
  One of Evelyn's dear friends who will fondly remember her endless 
warmth and kindness is Mamie Singleton, a retired Sergeant in the Saint 
Paul Police Department and founder of Youth Initiative Mentorship 
Academies (YIMA). YIMA uses aviation to bring at-risk youth and adults 
together to foster authentic relationships and build confidence.
  Throughout her life, Evelyn brought people together and served as a 
positive role model for youth, so it's no surprise that she and Mamie 
became friends and partners through YIMA. This work reached soaring 
heights when, at the age of 90, Evelyn took controls of her first YIMA 
flight, realizing a lifelong dream to fly an airplane. According to 
Mamie, Evelyn was incredibly proud of her contributions to the lives of 
young people--and was thrilled by her exciting turn at the controls.
  Madam Speaker, thank you for rising with me to pay tribute to Evelyn 
``of the Angels'' Virnig for her incredible and lasting contributions 
to her family and our community.

                          ____________________