[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF JOAN BUSER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2022

  Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Mrs. Joan 
Buser, a very special person to me and all of Oakland County. She was 
an incredible community leader, beloved wife, mother, and friend to 
many. I was fortunate enough to also call her my aunt and mentor. Joan 
passed away surrounded by her family on October 4, 2021 and is 
genuinely missed by the many who loved her.
  Mrs. Buser was a dedicated public servant and trusted community 
leader in Oakland County, Michigan, and residents are better off 
because of her efforts. In 1988, Joan became Supervisor of Oakland 
Township, Michigan, being reelected multiple times and serving until 
1999. She was beloved by the staff and community alike in this role, 
earning her many friends and confidantes. Upon her retirement in 1999, 
her staff presented her a sword to mimic that of Joan of Arc, on which 
was inscribed ``Joan of Oakland.'' This unique and thoughtful gift 
served as a testament to the tireless work Joan did to bring the 
community together and lead by example.
  Joan is also dearly missed by her beloved husband of 61 years, Donald 
Buser, and her sons Greg (Angie) and Steven (Megan). She was also a 
wonderful grandmother to her four grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexander, 
Brian, and Saila. She is also survived by her loving and adoring 
brother, James R. Stevens, who attests to the profound impact she made 
on his life as his older sister and protector.
  Her legacy continues through the values she instilled in her 
community, including service to others, kindness, and hard work. The 
Oakland County community is stronger as a result of her efforts, and I 
am proud to channel the lessons learned from Joan of Oakland when 
representing Oakland County in Congress.
  Madam Speaker, Mrs. Joan Buser was a champion for Oakland County, a 
faithful servant, and loving friend and family member. All of us are 
better off because of Joan's many years of leadership and mentorship 
that make our community stronger. Her legacy continues through the many 
people who pay her acts of kindness forward, and we all owe Joan our 
gratitude for the positive imprint she left on the world. Please join 
me in remembering the life of Mrs. Joan Buser and her legacy that 
survives.

                          ____________________