[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 136 (Friday, August 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MARY JANE COURTRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 8, 2025

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
extraordinary constituent from my district, Mrs. Mary Jane Courtright. 
Born on August 7, 1925, Jane exemplifies a century of steadfast 
dedication to education, family, and community service. Her 100 years 
of life stand as a powerful testament to a life lived in service to 
others.
  Jane's commitment to education was evident early on. She graduated 
first in her class from Camden Catholic High School and was awarded a 
full scholarship to Georgian Court College. There, she earned a 
bachelor of science in chemistry in 1946 while also serving as senior 
class vice president, in addition to participating in a plethora of 
other clubs and student activities. She went on to earn two master's 
degrees, one in science education and another in chemistry.
  For over 25 years, Jane taught chemistry at Council Rock High School. 
As the only female educator in the school's science department at the 
start of her career, she pioneered the implementation of the AP 
chemistry program--a program that continues to flourish today.
  In 1950, Jane married Joseph Albert Courtright and supported his 
service in the U.S. Navy, living in Philadelphia, Pearl Harbor, and 
Port Hueneme before settling in Warminster, Pennsylvania. After her 
husband's passing in 1958 while in the service of his country, Jane 
raised their five children with unwavering devotion and grace. Her 
strength and love built a family that now spans seven grandchildren and 
ten great-grandchildren.
  Beyond her roles as an educator and a mother, Jane served as the 
President of the Federated Women's Club of Warminster. Notably, she 
spearheaded a community initiative to create a lending library. By 
placing collection cartons in local grocery stores for donated books, 
Jane amassed an extensive collection of literature. Jane's initiative 
eventually grew into the Warminster Township Free Library, which today 
boasts over 100,000 volumes of literary works. Jane served as both 
president and treasurer of the Founding Library Board of Directors, 
volunteering for 54 years.
  Jane actively practiced her faith as a parishioner and volunteer at 
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Warminster. In her service to 
the parish, Jane saw a need and organized Nativity's program to provide 
religious instruction for public school students. She served as 
principal of the new CCD program for several years and continued as a 
volunteer instructor for many more.
  Now, as she approaches age 100, Jane remains an extraordinary force--
focusing on her personal fitness with her trainer Sabrina Willard, who 
helped in her recovery from cancer and with whom she has now worked for 
the past 24 years.
  As we celebrate Jane's 100th birthday, we honor her enduring 
dedication to Bucks County as an educator, community servant, loving 
mother, and an inspiring woman of remarkable strength and character.

                          ____________________