[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LAUREN VERDICH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2023

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lauren Verdich, a 
lifelong Chicagoan, business owner, activist and dear friend. Through 
Lauren's Catering, a business she started in the mid-1980's, she 
donated her services to many non-profits in the Chicago LGBTQ community 
such as the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Lesbian Community Cancer 
Project. Lauren was a co-founder of Open Hand Chicago and what is now 
known as the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Illinois. For Lauren's long-
standing advocacy in the LGBTQ community, she was inducted into 
Chicago's LGBT Hall of Fame in 2015.
  Along with Lauren's community activism, Lauren was politically 
active. As progressives, Lauren and her loving partner of 25 years, 
Gail Morse, were involved in state and federal campaigns, including 
mine. In 2006, Gail and Lauren were co-chairs of my 5th Annual Ultimate 
Women's Power Lunch alongside Michelle Obama. Lauren especially enjoyed 
an event featuring Congressman John Lewis, a hero to Lauren, and 
ascribed to John's motto of seeking out ``good trouble.''
  On a very personal note, Lauren cooked delicious meals for my 
grandchildren, son and daughter-in-law, Fiona, when Fiona was sick with 
cancer. Lauren's warmth and love came through her cooking. I was 
touched by her generosity and compassion for me and my family at that 
difficult time.
  For decades, Lauren served her community. Lauren was a ``sister in 
arms'' with so many fighting for good causes and those getting into 
John's ``good trouble.'' Lauren Verdich touched so many of us through 
her food, activism and hugs; and will be deeply missed. Bob and I send 
our deepest condolences to her wife, Gail, her children, Jordan (Katy) 
and Dana, and grandson, Zachery.

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