[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S808-S809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING KAREN LEWIS

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today, I would like to recognize the life 
of an exceptional woman: Karen Lewis. Most remember Karen as the fiery 
president of the Chicago Teachers Union who led the 2012 strike. Karen 
always fought for what she believed. She devoted her career to 
education and people. Her commitment to her beloved teachers was her 
North Star.
  Most will remember that Karen was no stranger to challenge. She 
attended Mount Holyoke College before transferring to Dartmouth College 
as a member of the first coeducational class in the institution's 
history. She had the courage to try her hand at medical school before 
finding her calling in teaching. As a new member in her teachers union, 
Karen did not hesitate to stand up when she thought something could be 
done better and ran for union offices as a member of the Caucus of Rank 
and File Educators, CORE.
  However, this was only one side of Karen Lewis. In many ways she was 
a true renaissance woman. In Karen's love of opera, her musical skill 
playing both flute and piano, her love of languages, her conversion to 
Judaism, and her passion for professional tennis, you could see the 
many facets of her life.
  But, above all else, I will remember Karen as a friend to both 
Loretta and me.
  In 2014, she was diagnosed with gioblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor. 
I remembered her diagnosis when many months later my colleague, Senator 
John McCain, faced the same challenge. I asked Karen who seemed to be 
weathering her personal storm if she would speak with John and she, of 
course, agreed. I do not know if the conversation took place, but I 
thought that these two heroes of much different wars could become 
unusual allies in

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the common struggle each of us will face.
  The word ``legendary'' is overused, but when it comes to Karen Lewis, 
it falls short of describing an amazing life journey. I am reminded of 
a quote from Confucius that roughly translates to: ``If your plan is 
for one year, plant rice; if your plan is for ten years, plant trees; 
if your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.'' I am 
thankful for Karen's 100-year plan. Let us honor her memory by 
continuing her work to educate the children of America.

                          ____________________