[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 126 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF SHARON SILZEL

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2021

  Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, my heart is heavy as I 
rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, Sharon Silzel, who 
passed away on December 17, 2020 after a long battle with Parkinson's 
Disease. My prayers are with Sharon's family as we mourn her passing.
  Sharon spent her first 30 years in Spokane, Washington as a dental 
and orthopedic assistant before answering her true calling--politics. 
In 1994, she hopped on the campaign trail, helping to elect George 
Nethercutt to the very seat in Congress that I have the honor of 
representing today. She was a force as a volunteer on my first campaign 
for Congress and remained a supporter and friend through the years.
  In every sense of the word, Sharon was a trailblazer. After marrying 
her soulmate Jack in 2001, Sharon moved to Washington, D.C. where she 
served in the White House screening student correspondence for 
President George W. Bush.
  Upon returning to Eastern Washington, Sharon kept her passion for 
politics alive as a member of Ponderosa Republican Women where she 
continued to champion the values that make our nation the greatest in 
the world.
  Her love for politics never stopped Sharon from fully immersing 
herself in the Spokane County community. She was well-known by her 
neighbors as a faithful member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and proud 
supporter of Trinity Elementary School.
  I knew Sharon to be a faithful follower of the Lord, and her light 
touched the lives of so many from Spokane to Washington, D.C. and 
everyone she met in between. Each and every one of us who had the 
privilege of knowing Sharon in this life are better because of it, and 
I thank God for giving me the blessing of calling her my friend.
  Madam Speaker, Sharon Silzel lived an amazing life that deserves to 
be celebrated. In honor of her legacy, passion, and contributions that 
inspired so many, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sharon 
Silzel. May God grant her eternal peace in His kingdom.

                          ____________________