[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   HONORING THE LIFE OF CAROL CONNOLLY, POET LAUREATE OF SAINT PAUL, 
                               MINNESOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2020

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of an 
extraordinary woman, Carol Connolly, Poet Laureate of Saint Paul, 
Minnesota. Carol passed away on November 23rd at the age of 85.
  Carol lived her entire life to the fullest in her beloved hometown of 
Saint Paul, and there was no greater joy than her family, raising 7 
children and nurturing 15 grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 
addition to being the heart of a large, loving family, she was active 
as a catalyst, connector and collaborator for her dynamic community. 
One of her dear friends aptly observed that ``all roads to and from 
Saint Paul lead through Carol Connolly.'' Inspired by the peace and 
civil rights movements, she was busy throughout her life volunteering 
for countless organizations, causes and candidates, not to mention 
running for political office herself. She truly became the change for 
good that she wanted to see in the world.
  Her artistic side shined just as bright, writing and publishing 
countless poems, plays and columns--and mentoring new writers along the 
way. At the 2006 ceremony where she was named Poet Laureate, she read 
one of her poems that captures the essence of this great American city 
where ``neighborhoods are the foundation of our freedom, `` a place 
where, regardless of background, neighbors care for neighbors and the 
greatest strength is found in coming together: ``A storm thunders along 
the river as it roams through the city, home to some of us for 2,000 
years. Home to others of us who left our native lands to escape famine, 
or war, or worse, and we are all immigrants. ``
  Carol's boundless generosity and care for others touched the lives of 
so many--from her family and friends to strangers. Through her poetry, 
humor, advocacy and contagious enthusiasm and support for the arts and 
art makers in our community, she was determined to make the world a 
better place, and she did. Above all, she was a devoted and beloved 
mother and grandmother, sister and aunt. It was always clear how deeply 
she valued the lives of people around her.
  It was an honor to call Carol a friend and a neighbor for many years. 
Her selfless encouragement of others, especially of writers and women 
running for office, continues to inspire me and so many others 
throughout our community.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the outstanding life of 
Carol Connolly, Poet Laureate of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

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