[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E18-E19]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF NOREEN KOKORUDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 11, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Noreen Kokoruda of Madison, Connecticut. A stalwart community leader 
and advocate, Noreen passed away on December 21st, 2022.
  Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Victor and Eileen Swaller, Noreen 
immediately showed traits of the characteristics which would define her 
life: compassion for others; commitment to service; and devotion to 
friends and family. At an early age, she distinguished herself for her 
friendly and out-going nature, going out of her way to help others. 
Even in high school, Noreen's penchant for public service was made 
clear after her election to the student council at Notre Dame High. Her 
passion for service blossomed as she continued her studies at Pace 
University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education. While at Pace, she 
was once again elected to represent her peers, this time as class 
president.
  Soon after her graduation from Pace, Noreen met her life partner, 
Daniel. Noreen and Daniel began their lives together in West Haven, 
Connecticut, but soon settled in nearby Madison where they grew their 
family and community roots.
  In Madison, Noreen threw herself into community work. She dedicated 
her time to the parent teacher organization, athletic boosters, and 
even worked as a substitute teacher. After serving on the Beach and 
Recreation commission, Noreen was elected to serve on Madison's Board 
of Selectmen, where she worked tirelessly for 14 years to weave a 
bright future for the town.
  Ever savvy, Noreen was also an influential member of the Shoreline 
Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating recreational and 
enrichment opportunities in the Madison area. Through this 
organization, Noreen helped host summer camps in Killingworth to 
support local youth. Additionally, recognizing the want for a regional 
pool, Noreen was the one to discover an angle for the Foundation to 
support the construction of the Madison Aquadome, a facility which 
helped meet the needs of the community at no additional taxpayer cost.
  In 2011, Noreen was elected to represent the 101st district in the 
Connecticut General Assembly, where she worked on the Planning and 
Development, Children, Appropriations, and Education committees. In the 
General Assembly, Noreen distinguished herself as a tenacious fighter 
for her constituency who worked across the aisle to collaborate on 
efforts to support the 101st district with her colleagues from both 
parties. Following Noreen's work in Hartford, she served on the Board 
of Selectman in Madison. Her dedication to public service was rare and 
her work touched the

[[Page E19]]

lives of many people throughout the communities of Madison and Durham 
and the State of Connecticut as a whole.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders as devoted and 
compassionate as Noreen. Her absence will be felt throughout the 
region, and I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends 
during this time. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Noreen's 
life and work.

                          ____________________