[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JANICE CMAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2024

  Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and 
legacy of Janice Cmar, who passed away on January 6, 2024.
  Janice was born and raised in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, and lived 
in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, for nearly 30 years. She earned a 
Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer science from 
Mansfield University and a master's degree in special education from 
Duquesne University. Janice felt called to public service throughout 
her academic endeavors, dedicating her 24-year career to public service 
as a teacher at Peters Township Middle School and an elected official.
  Her father's service on school boards and other public offices 
motivated her to follow a similar path in life. She was elected to the 
Jefferson Hills Borough Council in 1998 and focused on supporting the 
area's schools and first responders. Specifically, she spearheaded many 
public safety initiatives and worked to increase citizen participation 
in local government.
  I had the honor of swearing her in as Mayor of Jefferson Hills in 
2014. Janice took her commitment to the community seriously and worked 
tirelessly to make Jefferson Hills a better place to live, work, and 
raise a family. She set up the first website for the Borough of 
Jefferson Hills, created a children's summer program to provide safe 
recreational activities for local youth, and served as board secretary 
for the Pennsylvania State Mayors' Association. In recognition of her 
faithful and effective commitment to good local government, Janice 
received the Cecil K. Leberknight Award from the Pennsylvania State 
Association of Boroughs.
  Janice also served as a leader in the wider community and worked 
tirelessly to make southwestern Pennsylvania a better place to live. 
She knew that to understand the problems facing her community truly, 
she needed to be involved in local organizations. Her desire to hear 
directly from residents about the problems facing the community led 
Janice to join the Jefferson Hospital Auxiliary, Gill Hall Volunteer 
Fire Company, and volunteer at countless events for the Triumph of the 
Holy Cross parish. She also worked with many local business leaders 
through her involvement in the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of 
Commerce. The people of southwestern Pennsylvania benefitted greatly 
from her community involvement, and she will be sorely missed.
  Throughout her life, Janice supported and loved her family. Her 
memory lives on through her husband of 39 years, Dennis, their 
children, Michael and Nicole, and their grandchildren, Teddy and Lilly. 
Janice's life will undoubtedly serve as an example of love, devotion to 
one's family, and selfless service.
  Mr. Speaker, Janice Cmar dedicated her life to the people of 
Jefferson Hills and southwestern Pennsylvania. Her legacy is the 
epitome of a life well-lived. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 
14th Congressional District, I wish her family healing during this 
difficult time.

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