[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 4, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING RENEE LUCILLE SMOLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 2022

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I 
rise to honor the life of my dear friend Renee Lucille Smoley.
  Renee Smoley grew up in Long Island, New York, graduating from Hunter 
College in 1943. Renee and her husband, Dr. Melvin Smoley, moved to my 
hometown of Weston, Florida in 1989 where Renee became the longtime 
President of the Tequesta Homeowners Association.
  The City of Weston soon became Renee's love and passion. She chaired 
the Peace Mound Park Committee to restore the archeological and 
historical significance to the city. She served on the Committee for 
Weston's 4th of July parade, and in 1996, Renee was tapped to serve as 
the co-chair of the Steering Committee to determine the feasibility of 
Weston incorporating and becoming its own city. For her contributions 
to the city, Renee was fondly referred as the Mother of Weston. She 
served on the Board of the Weston Music Society, was a charter member 
of AAUW Weston and Chair of AW Foundation and was inducted to the 
Broward County Senior Hall of Fame.
  Of all her accomplishments in Weston Renee was most proud of her 
assistance to 27 Kosovo refugees in 1999. She enlisted the help of 
Weston residents and businesses to provide them with housing and 
utilities for two years.
  Renee may have been tiny, but her broad shoulders carried me 
throughout my career in public service. I am grateful to Renee for her 
encouragement, wisdom, and love. She was not just the Mother of Weston 
but a mother to many in so many ways.
  My heart is with her family in mourning the loss of this kind, 
generous, and compassionate soul.
  We were forever privileged to have shared this time with Renee. May 
her memory be a blessing.

                          ____________________