[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BARBARA CURRAN

  (Ms. SHERRILL asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. SHERRILL. I rise to recognize the Honorable Barbara Curran, a 
lifelong public servant from New Jersey who broke many glass ceilings.
  Barbara was an accomplished scholar, even earning her law degree in 
the evenings as a single mom. Entering the world of politics as a woman 
in the 1970s, she was a force. Barbara was the first woman to serve in 
all three branches of the New Jersey government--as assemblywoman, as a 
member of the Governor's cabinet, and as a superior court judge. She 
was referred to as the ``blue elephant'' for her commitment to 
bipartisanship.
  Barbara cherished time with family and never missed an opportunity to 
send encouraging handwritten notes. At times, she was even called off 
the bench to take a call from her daughter.
  I am grateful for the role model Barbara was to me and to so many who 
saw a path forward in politics through her example, and a glimpse at 
how to balance being a parent with the demands of public service.
  In January, Barbara Curran passed away peacefully. My heart is with 
her daughter, Katie; her son-in-law, Patrick; and her grandchildren, 
Duke, Marrin, Lilah, and Moira.
  I was honored to know Barbara, and she will be dearly missed.

                          ____________________