[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 172 (Thursday, November 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE LIFE, SPIRIT, AND LEADERSHIP OF THE LATE JULIE CHERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2022

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam speaker, I rise to remember the life, 
spirit, friendship, and leadership of Julie Cherry.
  Julie Tregre Cherry, age 62, passed away October 25, 2022, in Baton 
Rouge, far too soon. Julie served most recently as the Secretary-
Treasurer to the Louisiana American Federation of Labor and Congress of 
Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and was a former President of the 
East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers. Julie was a dedicated public 
servant and fierce fighter for equity and justice. She advocated for 
laws, regulations, and policies beneficial to working families in the 
Louisiana Legislature and served on various boards and commissions, 
including the Louisiana Educational Television Authority, Baton Rouge 
Fire and Police Civil Service Board, and Governor's Workers' 
Compensation Advisory Council. In 2014, she received national 
recognition with the Presbrey Champion of Labor Award from the Workers' 
Injury Law and Advocacy Group and in 2012, the Dragon Slayer Award from 
Louisiana Workers' Advocates.
  Just this year, Julie graduated from the Southern University Law 
Center with a Juris Doctorate and was looking forward to the next 
chapter in her professional life helping underserved and under-
resourced people in Louisiana. Also, as a life-long music minister, 
Julie was heavily involved in the local Catholic community, especially 
the parishes of St. Jean Vianney and Most Blessed Sacrament. She 
remained a long-time educator and passionate student.
  Julie is survived by her devoted partner, Richard le Bouef, and 
children Elaine Blacharski (Tony), Aaron Cherry (Elisabeth), Luke 
Cherry (Nicole), and Jacob Cherry (Juliette) as well as beloved 
grandchildren Reed, Penelope, Aaron Jr., James, Arthur, and Louis. She 
is also survived by mother Jeanne Tregre, sisters Marie Rourke (Mike), 
Patricia DeWeese (Danny), and Jeanne ``Cathy'' Kelly (Larry), and an 
extended family of nieces and nephews. Julie was preceded in death by 
her father, Bruce Tregre, Sr.; brothers Bruce Jr. ``Spike'' and Michael 
Tregre; former husband, Daniel Cherry; and nephew, Jordy Rourke.
  I'm sending prayers to Julie's family, friends, students, colleagues, 
and church community.
  She will be sorely missed.
  I take comfort knowing she is with her Savior in heaven.

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