[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 148 (Monday, September 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LEGACY OF SUSAN ROWE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 23, 2024

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the indomitable spirit 
and extraordinary life of Susan Rowe; a true icon whose legacy 
transcends the ordinary.
  Born on February 20, 1956, to Jo Ann and John Warren Smith, Susan was 
not just a woman; she was a force of political activism and civic 
engagement, embodying the essence of California's Democratic 
traditions.
  Raised in Anderson, Indiana, Susan lived through her passion for 
singing and dancing in plays and musicals. After graduation from 
Anderson High School in 1974, Susan attended Indiana University in 
Bloomington, Indiana where she was a ballet major and a member of Alpha 
Phi sorority. Susan attended both high school and college with her 
eventual husband Michael Rowe. Susan and Mike were married on June 25, 
1983, at St. Mary's Church in Anderson Indiana. Their love would endure 
for many years to come.
  Although Susan spent a significant portion of her life in the Hoosier 
state, she managed to make a major impact as a Central Californian who 
changed a countless number of lives.
  Susan honorably advocated for and served the people of the Central 
Valley for twenty years as a dedicated and relentless grassroots 
volunteer for the California Democratic Party. She was a tireless 
champion of democracy in which she contributed greatly by getting out 
the vote, promoting voter registration, and encouraging and recruiting 
candidates to run for public office.
  For her efforts, Susan was rightfully recognized in 2004 and in 2015 
when she was twice awarded the CDP Regional Volunteer of the Year 
Award. Her work and leadership skills were recognized as she served 
honorably in several leadership positions. She was elected to a two-
year term in 2007-08 as Regional Director of Region 8 of the statewide 
party. Beginning in 2005 and until her passing she served as the chair 
of the Madera County Democratic Central Committee and also served 
multiple terms as the Vice-Chair of the Rural Caucus of the California 
Democratic Party. Additionally, Susan promoted political freedoms and 
activities as evident in her co-founding of the California Latina 
Democrats in Fresno.
  In Susan's passing, we celebrate a life that embraced activism, 
supported the democratic process, and left an indelible mark on all who 
were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in her family: 
her husband Michael Rowe and her brother Carlton B. Smith of 
Indianapolis. May we draw inspiration from Susan Rowe's enduring spirit 
and the richness of a life well-lived. I extend my deepest condolences 
to her family, friends, and all who mourn the loss of this remarkable 
Californian. Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in 
paying tribute to the memory of Susan Rowe, a true Californian and 
inspiration to the Central Valley.

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