[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7202-7203]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO KELLY KEEFE BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to my dear 
friend Kelly Keefe Brooks, who passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 
at the age of 43 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Kelly 
was a devoted wife, loving mother of two girls, and a warm and caring 
friend.
  Kelly fought a courageous battle against her cancer while remaining 
the same loving, jovial, and caring woman that her friends and loved 
ones will always admire. She has become a role model and inspiration to 
all who knew her and all who face the same struggle against cancer. I 
ask unanimous consent to enter into the Congressional Record the eulogy 
delivered by Kelly's good friend Suzanne Galvin Harvey on Saturday, 
April 29, 2006, which was partially written by Kelly Keefe Brooks 
herself.

       Good Afternoon.
       First let me begin by saying that Kelly did a very unusual 
     thing before she died; she wrote her own eulogy. Anyone that 
     knew her

[[Page 7203]]

     would not be surprised. Kelly knew what she wanted and was 
     not afraid to tell you. I asked her if I could add to it and 
     surprisingly, she agreed. Her words are all about saying 
     goodbye to the people in her life. I'd like to start first by 
     saying goodbye to her.
       It has been my distinct honor and privilege to have called 
     Kelly Keefe Brooks my friend for almost thirty years. We met 
     as freshmen at Lowell High School when she asked me to share 
     a locker with her. She introduced me to the seven friends we 
     still have to this day--Our Girls Club. I'll be forever 
     grateful for that gift she gave me.
       Kelly was fortunate to have married Billy, who she called 
     ``the love of her life''. A few days ago she said, ``Sue, 
     let's face it, who else could have stood me?'' I repeated 
     that to Billy recently and he said he ``enjoyed every minute 
     of the ride.'' ``Well maybe not every minute!''
       Kelly gave Billy the same wonderful gift she gave me . . . 
     an abundance of friends. She had a way about her that drew 
     people to her in droves. She crammed many of us into her 
     short life with 4th of July cookouts by the pool on Wilder 
     Street; Superbowl parties; Cinco de Mayo celebrations on 
     Clark Road; and founding Our Girls Club and presiding over it 
     with an iron fist. From the folks at the Post Office to her 
     golfing buddies at Longmeadow; from Our Girls Club to her 
     sisters' original Girls Club; and from Billy's mom and family 
     to her own family, there is no shortage of supporters for 
     Billy and the girls with this entourage she built for them.
       We all admired Kelly and Billy's love for each other so 
     much. God sent her a peach when he sent her Billy Brooks. His 
     devotion was unending and he would have done anything for 
     her, whether she had cancer or not. His only regret is that 
     Kelly wanted to see Hawaii before she died. When he got the 
     news that her health was declining, he was thinking of ways 
     to get her there just to see it. ``I was thinking maybe I 
     could get her on a medical plane--but it would be too far if 
     something happened,'' he said. That's the kind of guy Billy 
     Brooks is.
       Together they were blessed with two beautiful daughters--
     Emma and Molly. She may have seemed a little tough on you 
     girls at times, but she loved you with all her heart. These 
     past few months she spent so much thought on giving you both 
     special memories and personalized mementos to last a 
     lifetime. Her likes have become your likes--New York City, 
     General Hospital, stalking celebrities outside the Daytime 
     Emmy awards and looking for stars around the streets of New 
     York. I know she will always be the real star in your eyes 
     and has become a celebrity in her own rite, which was evident 
     from the turnout at her wake last night. Your mom also liked 
     pictures--not so much taking them as having people take them 
     of her and plenty with both of you, those pictures are a 
     chronicle of your life with her. Another wonderful gift she 
     gave you, gave all of us.
       Kim and Sharon. She couldn't have asked for two better 
     sisters who were always there for her and the girls. Auntie 
     Sharon, always thinking of ways to help with the girls, or 
     buying things for the house, or helping Kel decorate for the 
     holidays or change of seasons. So glad you could be with her 
     the morning she died. Auntie Kim, always there with at least 
     seven or eight phone calls a day, checking in with her and 
     being there for the girls as well. I cannot imagine the loss 
     the two of you will feel. Not only sisters, you were true 
     friends.
       And finally her loving parents, Paul and Maryanne. Tomorrow 
     was supposed to be a surprise 50th Anniversary party for you. 
     Kelly has been feverishly planning that for the last few 
     months. The video she created for you and the songs she 
     chose--what a tremendous gift she has left for you. No parent 
     should have to bury a child, and that is what bothered her 
     the most when she was diagnosed--worrying about what that 
     would do to her Mom and Dad. You should be so proud of the 
     wonderful daughter you raised.
       Kelly has been a role model for hundreds of us: family, 
     friends, medical staff, and even to complete strangers right 
     here in Lowell, who have been inflicted with this devastating 
     disease. Never complaining, showing tremendous courage and 
     spirit, fighting the uphill battle against all odds, always 
     with a smile on her face, and never losing faith in her 
     doctors and caregivers or in her God. There was no time for 
     tears with Kelly--she had much to do before she left us. Like 
     demand a list of exactly what people were bringing over for 
     meals. ``Enough pasta!'' she'd say ``Can't a girl get a 
     couple of pork chops?'' Thanks to Denise Perrin and Lesley 
     Byrne for spearheading all those dinners and house cleanings.
       Goodbye Kelly and in the motto of Our Girls Club, which is 
     engraved into the gold heart shaped charms that hang from our 
     bracelets, we will truly be ``friends forever'' and we will 
     all miss you dearly.
       That is the end of my portion of this--my tribute to her. I 
     think she asked me to do this because she thought I was 
     funny. I'm glad I could provide you with some comic relief 
     but sorry Kel I didn't have them rolling in the aisles 
     because I didn't feel much like entertaining and laughing 
     today. I did, however, briefly consider wearing my nun 
     costume up here. But I think I traumatized my mom enough with 
     that once before. Thank you mom for helping me write this for 
     Kelly--she would really have been happy that it came from 
     both of us. And now for Kelly's own words.
                                  ____
                                  

                                 Eulogy

                        (By Kelly Keefe Brooks)

       Good afternoon.
       Surprise, surprise! You didn't think I would leave and not 
     get the last word in. Seriously, I wanted to take this time 
     to thank some people and to let you know my thoughts; you 
     know how the cancer really changed me. Who am I kidding? To 
     know me is to love me!
       Everyone always told me I had a great attitude and I did, 
     but I had so much help from family, friends, co-workers and 
     medical professionals. That is what made it possible.
       I do have some requests from a few of you. Babs, Cathie, 
     Lesley, Mary and Carolyn--you have all become the monkey in 
     the middle for Sharon and Kim. I hope they are laughing. Emma 
     and Molly, take care of Dad, he probably doesn't remember 
     what he had for lunch yesterday, so go easy and get along 
     with each other. With all the women out there I am not 
     concerned about how many mothers you girls are going to have. 
     And you thought I was bad. Good luck girls! You thought I was 
     annoying, ha!
       Girls be successful in life and by that I mean be happy. 
     Get careers not jobs, a big mistake most people make. Emma, I 
     hope you live in NYC for at least a brief period of time. 
     Molly, even though you are the youngest you will be the glue 
     to keep the family together and I don't mean just you, Emma, 
     and Dad. I mean everyone. It's a big job but I have no 
     doubts.
       What can I say about my girls club? They cooked, cleaned, 
     sat with me on that king-sized bed and watched movies. Thank 
     you!
       Theresa and Dr. Anamour--thank you for giving me the extra 
     time in life.
       I don't have words for my parents only I am sorry they had 
     to bury me first.
       Sharon and Kim--take care of the girls and each other. 
     Remember they see what you do.
       Billy as much as I hated the post office, it is where I met 
     you and hunted you down like a dog. Thank god for Denise, 
     Mary and the keg (good times) you gave me two beautiful girls 
     and Papa two beautiful grandchildren. Now you are his 
     favorite son-in-law. There also is not another man who can 
     make me laugh like you do, or could stand being married to 
     me. I didn't get the nickname Paulette for nothing. I love 
     you with all my heart.
       Hope you all have a great time at the mercy meal, I can't 
     tell you how mad I am I won't be there. Have a good time 
     leaving church--lots of singing--I picked these songs.

  Kelly didn't realize that the three songs she wanted at the end are 
unfortunately not allowed at a Catholic Mass. So instead of singing and 
clapping, leave here today with a song in your heart, a beat in your 
step, and a smile on your face for the special woman we knew and loved.

                          ____________________