[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 218 (Monday, December 21, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOYCE HABER SCHUCK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 21, 2020

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. 
Joyce Haber Schuck, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, patriot, 
community activist, and dear friend.
  Joyce was born December 9, 1937, to loving parents, Frank and 
Florence Haber, in Long Island, New York. She met the love of her life, 
Steve, while at a party hosted by a mutual friend. They married in 
1958, following his college graduation. As newlyweds, Steve and Joyce 
lived and worked in Syracuse and New York City until they accomplished 
their dream of starting a family and moving to Colorado Springs. They 
had three beloved children: William David (1959), Thomas Allen (1961), 
and Ann Elizabeth (1968).
  Joyce lived an extraordinary life by all measures. Her husband, 
Steve, describes her as ``beautiful at many levels, and bordering on 
being renaissance.'' Joyce embraced the popular role of being a 
homemaker to her family, but her efforts and passions didn't end there. 
Joyce returned to college in her 40s and graduated with a degree in 
social work. Her passion was always in the well-being of those less 
fortunate.
  Joyce blazed historic trails in her community. She co-founded 
Community Transitions, a non-profit organization that served homeless 
families, established a volunteer program for the District Attorney's 
office, and built the DA's `Shape Up' initiative. She was appointed by 
Governor Bill Ritter to the board of the Charter School Institute and 
served on the boards of the League of Charter School and the Youth 
Transformation Center. Additionally, she co-founded and chaired the 
board of Colorado's first military charter school, the Colorado 
Military Academy.
  The Schuck's had an unwavering commitment to children, particularly 
to those who are disadvantaged. They founded Parents Challenge, a 
nationwide nonprofit to empower low-income parents with financial and 
informational resources so that they may choose the schools best suited 
for their children's needs. Parents Challenge has been carrying out its 
mission of serving parents and children across our nation for over 21 
years.
  In a move that took her out of her comfort zone, Joyce embraced the 
campaign life when Steve sought the Republican nomination for Governor 
of Colorado in 1986. Not so secretly, many expressed that they wished 
she was the candidate because she excelled at building relationships 
and communicating with people from all walks of life. Unbeknownst to 
Steve, Joyce kept a diary of her experience on the campaign, which she 
converted into a trailblazing book titled, ``Political Wives, Veiled 
Lives.''
  Joyce had many passions in her life, but none more than her family. 
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Florence, and 
sister Rolene. Joyce is survived by her loving husband Steve, children: 
Bill (Dede), Tom, and Ann; her grandchildren: Emily, Molly, Hillary, 
Whitney, Gabriel, Conner, Colton, and Bryce; great-grandchildren: 
Madyson, Emyrson, Grayson, Hudson, and Liam.
  Joyce leaves behind a legacy of grace, kindness, compassion, and 
generosity. She lived her life with enthusiasm and purpose, and her 
commitment to those in need will benefit generations to come.

                          ____________________