February 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 34 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       REMEMBERING DR. MARY LACEY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2019

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable 
life of Dr. Mary Lacey, a pillar of our community who passed away this 
month at the age of 80.
   Dr. Lacey made an indelible mark on our communities by tirelessly 
serving those at the margins. Across Lake County, children in need, the 
homeless, and inmates and their families directly benefited from her 
generosity and boundless energy.
   Dr. Lacey broke multiple barriers throughout her life. She was born 
to humble beginnings, as one of ten children in rural Mississippi. At 
age 21 she moved to Florida to further her education, where she met her 
late husband William, and eventually settled in his hometown of 
Waukegan. She found work as a contractor at Naval Station Great Lakes 
as well as handmaking elegant hats.
   Never one to rest, she continued to study and was ordained a pastor, 
became a foster parent, and earned a certificate in social work.
   In Waukegan, her memory lives on as the namesake of Mary's Mission, 
a homeless shelter she founded that has provided shelter to hundreds of 
individuals in times of need, and has helped them develop the job 
training and skills they need to get back on their feet and live 
independently.
   Dr. Lacey was also a fierce advocate for children, bringing joy to 
young residents during the holidays. She teamed up with the Waukegan 
police department to start a toy giveaway program for children who 
might not receive a gift during the holidays. I had the privilege to 
join several of her annual Christmas parades from Mary's Mission to the 
Lake County jail, where she handed out turkeys and toys.
   Her perseverance in helping vulnerable people, touched and improved 
the lives of countless Illinoisans. Dr. Lacey truly lived her faith 
every day, and she will be sorely missed. I extend my heartfelt 
condolences to her many family and friends who are mourning her 
passing.

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