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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E25]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF EDITH CUNNANE
______
HON. ANN WAGNER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Friday, January 10, 2020
Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I rise deeply saddened by the loss of a
wonderful friend and mentor and integral member of the St. Louis
community. Today, in Missouri's Second Congressional District, Mrs.
Edith Cunnane is being laid to rest following an incredible and
selfless life of service.
Along with her beloved husband, Jim Cunnane, Edith made St. Louis her
home and worked to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. She was a
fixture of the St. Louis philanthropic community for decades as a
community volunteer and activist, civic leader, and supporter of social
services. She had an endless desire, willingness, and ability to help
others. With this boundless passion, Edith founded the St. Patrick
Center in 1982. The first of its kind in the region, the St. Patrick
Center is a multifaceted social service agency that serves the homeless
and at-risk individuals.
Over her nearly forty-year tenure at the Center, Edith sought to
expand its services to unprecedented heights. Under her leadership, the
St. Patrick Center opened the Shamrock Club, the first day treatment
program for individuals suffering from behavioral health issues in the
entire nation. Additionally, Edith spearheaded the St. Patrick Center's
Casserole Program, an initiative where groups of volunteers bake,
freeze, and deliver casseroles to the needy. Since its inception
thirty-five years ago, this program has served over five and a half
million hot meals across the Greater St. Louis area.
Edith's efforts have been an inspiration to countless individuals.
During her tenure, Edith mobilized over three thousand volunteers to
help their fellow citizens, turning the St. Patrick Center into a
beacon for homeless assistance and social services providers. Last year
alone, the Center provided nearly sixty thousand services to over three
thousand people and served close to one hundred and fifty thousand hot
meals.
Edith's drive to help others involved many forms of public service. A
former staff member for Congressman Jim Talent, Edith went on to become
a member of the St. Louis County Council in 1998. She used this
experience to work with institutions and organizations throughout the
region to continue improving the lives of others. She served on the
board of directors for the St. Louis County Library as well as the
Today and Tomorrow Education Foundation, which strives to provide
educational opportunities for children in need.
For her years of generosity and hard work, Edith has been recognized
locally, nationally, and globally. At the local level, she received
numerous awards, most notably the St. Louis Women of Achievement Award
and the St. Louis Community Leader Award. Nationally, President George
H.W. Bush bestowed upon Edith the Thousand Points of Light Award in
1991. At the international level, she was awarded the United Nations
Human Rights Award. I believe it is not only appropriate, but
necessary, to honor Edith's incredible life before the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Edith is survived by her husband, Jim, their two children, Jim Jr.
and Cori, and six beautiful grandchildren, along with many family
members and friends. I extend my sincerest condolences and prayers to
the Cunnane family as they mourn this immeasurable loss and celebrate
Edith's life and all the love she gave to those around her. Edith and
her faith, work, and unwavering generosity will never be forgotten. We
thank God for blessing us with her life.
____________________
