[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12865-12866]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF KENDRA LEE MURRAY ADAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 5, 2017

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Kendra Lee 
Murray Adams, who passed away on July 30, 2017 at the age of 39, 
following a brave battle with cancer. Originally from Pennsylvania, 
Kendra attended Gettysburg College, where she majored in political 
science. Upon graduation, her passion for politics brought her to 
Washington, D.C. and placed her on a bright and fulfilling career path.
  I am speaking today because I had the good fortune of being a stop 
along that path. Kendra served as my scheduler and office manager when 
I first came to Congress in 2005. I've had many fine and dedicated 
staff members during my time in public service, and Kendra stands out 
among them. At a time when I was learning the protocols and procedure 
of this great institution, this blonde bombshell immersed herself in 
the details, and in many ways, was the heart of the operation. She 
embodied the essence of grace under fire, there was no need, demand, or 
logistical crisis that could ruffle her feathers. She would simply 
execute and make the whole process look effortless.
  That, in and of itself, was exemplary. But Kendra was integral to our 
office family beyond that. She was a den mother of sorts on one hand, 
and she was our comedic relief and levity on the other. She was the 
kind of person one comes to rely on not only professionally, but also 
to sooth the soul. She left my office to work for my friend and 
colleague, the legendary Charlie Rangel, when he served as Chair of the 
Committee on Ways and Means, and I know he joins me in saluting the 
public service, and indeed the life, of Kendra Adams, who was taken 
from us, far too soon.
  Kendra was a privilege to know, a fantastic and dedicated worker with 
a terrific heart, whether serving with Horton's kids or just helping a 
friend through a tough time. Whether you knew her for years or just met 
her, you got the best of her from minute one.
  In words written before her death, Kendra urged those she loved to 
not mourn but rather

[[Page 12866]]

to ``live life, go to the beach, go rock climbing, and skydiving. Do 
the things you want to do!'' That exemplifies her spirit, her courage, 
and her life.
  My heart, prayers, and condolences go out to Kendra's family, 
including her son, daughter, husband, father and sister, who were her 
pride and greatest joy.

                          ____________________