[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6701]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO MARY K. PODESTA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2007

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mary K. 
Podesta, and those who loved her especially her sons John and Tony.
  Known affectionately as ``Mama Podesta'' to friends, neighbors, and 
many of us here in Congress, Mary was a fixture in the Washington 
political scene for more than two decades.
  Mary was born in Chicago to Greek immigrant parents. Upon marrying 
John Podesta Sr., she devoted herself to raising her two sons, John and 
Tony, and instilling in them a love of country and a commitment to 
public service which they both demonstrate today.
  With the death of her husband nearly 30 years ago, she moved to 
Washington to be close to John and Tony. Her sons had a history of 
hosting prominent fundraisers and socials, but it was Mary who turned 
them into truly family affairs.
  Raised Greek, and married to an Italian, Mary was a tremendous cook. 
Her meatball recipe was as delicious as it was secret. When I visited, 
she always made sure she had an order for me ``to go.''
  Her astute political advice and encouragement provided even more 
nourishment than the food she prepared. And though she counted a 
President, and numerous congressional leaders among her close friends, 
it was her close relationships with her own family of which she was 
most proud.
  As we pay tribute to Mary, we take comfort in our fond memories of 
her. I extend my deepest condolences to the many who loved Mary, 
especially her sons John and Tony, her sister Evelyn, and her three 
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. I hope it is a comfort to 
them that so many people are praying for them and mourning their loss 
at this sad time.

                          ____________________