[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1154-E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SHARON PALMER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2020

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to observe and mourn the 
passing of an extraordinarily dedicated public servant and fierce 
fighter for working people, Ms. Sharon Palmer of Waterford, 
Connecticut. My friend Sharon passed away at her home in Connecticut on 
Friday, December 4th, 2020. She was 77 years old.
  Sharon's life represents the best of Connecticut. A longtime 
educator, labor leader, and ultimately, Labor Commissioner, Sharon 
dedicated her life to bettering the education of our children and the 
circumstances in which we work. She will be remembered as an energetic 
force to be reckoned with, solid in her values, and strong in her 
accomplishments.
  A lifelong learner, Sharon graduated from East Hampton High School in 
1961, earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph College, and a 
master's in Marine Science from Eastern Connecticut state in 1978. Soon 
after, she began a passionate teaching career at Nathan Hale-Ray High 
School in Moodus, Connecticut. She later taught math and science at 
Clark Lane Jr. High School, and even took her dedication to teaching on 
an international tour by joining the Department of Defense and teaching 
our servicemembers' children in Hanover, Germany.
  One way or another, Sharon was always a force for good in 
Connecticut. During her time teaching in Waterford, she started 
planting seeds for a second career outside of the classroom--still 
aiming to serve and advocate for others--as treasurer and then 
president of her local AFT chapter. In her never-ending quest to fight 
for the betterment of her community, Sharon also became a fervent voice 
in local politics as a member of Waterford's Representative Town 
Meeting. Despite constantly taking on new roles throughout her life, 
she would continue to serve in her municipal government for over 23 
years.
  In 1989, Sharon grew from her role as a local chapter president and 
became the first vice-president of AFT-CT. She kept that position for 
12 years before she took on the executive vice president position for 
another two, and then ultimately was elected as President of the 
state's second largest teacher's union in 2003. She has been one of the 
most notable union leaders in the state and could often be found 
testifying at Connecticut's state Capitol in Hartford. It was because 
of her high profile and her vibrant credibility within the labor 
community that she was appointed as former Governor Dannel Malloy's 
first Labor Commissioner. It was only then that she would step down 
from her leadership positions both in Waterford and as President of 
AFT-CT. Before retiring from a consecutive 58-year long career, she 
became a vital part of the state government, acting as a strong, 
critical voice for the working community and an liaison to local labor 
organizations.
  Madam Speaker, it has been an honor to witness Sharon Palmer's 
service in action and especially to be her friend. Hers is a proud 
legacy--one that will continue the good fight for years to come--and I 
ask that the entire House join me in continuing her legacy by never 
losing sight of the fight for working families.

[[Page E1155]]

  

                          ____________________