[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2336]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO FAYANNE KAUFMAN

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today in remembrance of 
Fayanne Kaufman of Farmington Hills, Michigan. In the 72 years before 
her passing, Mrs. Kaufman touched the lives of her family, her 
students, and her fellow community members with her passion for life 
and learning.
  Mrs. Kaufman responded to life's challenges with strength and 
optimism. After her husband's untimely death in 1965, she joined the 
ranks of older Americans pursuing higher education and attained her 
teaching degree at Wayne State University. In 1968, she began a 30-year 
career in the Farmington Public Schools, teaching at both the middle 
and high school levels. A renowned artist in the fields of ceramics and 
jewelry making, Mrs. Kaufman encouraged her students to develop their 
talents and helped them receive scholarships at various art and design 
institutions throughout the United States. In addition, she inspired 
and worked with troubled students to turn their lives around. Mrs. 
Kaufman remained active with her alma mater over the years as an 
alumnus and was honored by the university with the Woman of Wayne State 
Award. In the past decade, she strengthened her commitment to public 
service with three bids for the Michigan Board of Education.
  Most importantly, Mrs. Kaufman was a devoted mother to her three 
sons. She raised her children to appreciate the importance of education 
and community service. As her son Jerry said, ``She was amazing and had 
such a warm sweet spirit.'' Mrs. Kaufman inspired us all to serve our 
community to the best of our ability and reassured us that we all can 
have a positive impact on the world around us. I wish to extend best 
wishes to the entire Kaufman family.

                          ____________________