[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5439]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MRS. PINKIE PARKER HARDY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
of Mrs. Pinkie Parker Hardy. We lost our beloved Mrs. Parker Hardy on 
April 3, 2008. She led a full and vibrant life during her 91 years on 
this earth, raising a loving family and mentoring many in her church 
and community.
  On May 19, 1916, Pinkie Parker was born in Washington, Louisiana to 
Alice White and John Parker. During Pinkie's life, she witnessed many 
of the Nation's most turbulent and controversial moments. Growing up in 
the south in the first quarter of the last century, Pinkie was self-
educated and she devoted her energies to her community, her family, and 
her faith. She was a life-long resident of Eunice, Louisiana.
  In 1936, at the age of 20, Pinkie Parker married Herman Joseph Hardy. 
From this loving union, five sons and two daughters were born. In 1949, 
Mrs. Hardy, a devout and extremely active member of this congregation 
until she became ill just last year.
  Mrs. Hardy contributed immeasurably to the growth and service of St. 
Mathilda Parish during her life. Bishop Flynn appointed her as the 
first Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St. Mathilda. She also 
served as Lector and Parish Council President for several years. For 50 
years, Mrs. Hardy was an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver 
(KPC) Council No. 92. Mrs. Hardy spent 26 of those years serving as the 
Grand Lady of KPC.
  In 1987, Mrs. Hardy was the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Award from the Diocese of Lafayette. In 2002, she received the Bishop's 
Medal for devoted service to her church and society.
  It is clear that Mrs. Hardy was an indispensable component of her 
community. She came of age and lived her adult life during the most 
tumultuous and influential political period in American history. Mrs. 
Hardy's life exemplifies that of many African-Americans during this 
century, their struggle for human rights and civic freedom, and their 
strength and perseverance.
  These important men and women are seldom recognized for their 
greatness. Mrs. Hardy's life is one to be remembered and admired as an 
example of the true work and inner fortitude that keeps this country 
together. These individuals dedicated their lives in the service of 
their God and community in the face of incredible odds. Each and every 
one of them had a unique story, a special impact, and a loving family. 
Mrs. Pinkie Parker Hardy was a member of mine.
  On a very personal level, Mrs. Hardy was ``family'' to me. She shared 
her deep religious faith, her wonderful Creole cooking (especially her 
gumbo) and her insights as a strong, yet gentle African-American woman 
with me on several occasions. To know ``Mrs. Pinkie'' was to love her.
  Mrs. Pinkie Parker Hardy will be sorely missed by all those who loved 
her and were honored to have her kindness and spirit touch their lives. 
Her memory and legacy will live on through her seven children, five 
daughters-in-law, 34 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and four 
great-great grandchildren as well as innumerable relatives and friends.
  Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors 
Mrs. Pinkie Parker Hardy. We extend our deepest condolences to her 
family and children. Thank you for sharing her great spirit with so 
many people over the last century. May her soul rest in peace.

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