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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF MARGARET ``MARDEE'' XIFARAS
______
HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING
of massachusetts
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 11, 2019
Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker. I rise today in recognition of the life
of Margaret ``MarDee'' Xifaras, a passionate political activist,
successful lawyer, and a beloved member of the community on the South
Coast of Massachusetts.
Born in Winnetka, Illinois, MarDee first came to Massachusetts to
earn her master's degree at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at
Tufts University in Medford. Shortly after graduating, MarDee moved to
New Bedford to help run Congressman Gerry E. Studds' first campaign for
Congress. Though that first campaign was not successful, MarDec had
nevertheless found her new home. It was there that she would meet her
future husband or forty-eight years, John Xifaras.
Continuing her education, MarDee earned a second master's degree at
the former Southeastern Massachusetts University in Dartmouth and a law
degree at Boston University. Soon after, she worked as an assistant
district attorney, a special assistant to Governor Michael Dukakis, and
later became a partner at the New Bedford law firm of Lang, Xifaras and
Bullard.
With the desire to do more, MarDee worked tirelessly for the
presidential campaigns of Ted Kennedy, Michael Dukakis, Bill Clinton,
Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, in many
instances uprooting herself and moving to where she was needed most. A
nearly fifty year member of the Massachusetts Democratic State
Committee, her years of service to the party were deservedly recognized
when MarDee was elected to the Democratic National Committee by her
peers.
Possibly MarDee's greatest accomplishment, however, was the role she
played in creation of the University of Massachusetts Law School.
Recognizing the need for a public law school in Massachusetts, MarDee
fought against private interests to ensure the school's opening. Later
she would sit on the board of trustees, working tirelessly to guarantee
that its commitment to the community was fulfilled.
MarDee left us too soon on October 8th, 2019, at the age of seventy-
four after a long battle with breast cancer. She was an inspiration to
all that met her and a mentor to many. MarDee would talk to Presidents
or someone in need with the same respect and dignity. She will long be
remembered far and wide for her dedication to her community and her
desire to make the world a better place. In addition to her husband
John, MarDee is survived by her children Dena, Juliet, Michael, her two
brothers John and Jim, and six grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Margaret ``MarDee''
Xifaras. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her many years
of dedication to her community.
____________________
