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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LOUISE ENDEL
______
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise
today to pay tribute to Louise Endel, a pillar of the New Haven
community and a dear friend. Though she lived a long and fulfilling
life, it still feels as though she was taken from us much too. soon.
Hers is a legacy of compassion, philanthropy and generosity that will
surely continue to serve as an inspiration to all those who know her--
and likely many that did not.
Louise and her husband, Charlie, moved to North Haven with their
three daughters in 1952 and soon became actively involved in the
community and with a myriad of community organizations, including the
League of Women Voters, the Girl Scouts, and Ridge Road School's Parent
Teacher Association. Louise and Charlie were also founding members of
the Ridge Top Club, the first swimming club in the area to ``eschew
racial and religious discrimination.'' Over the course of her life,
Louise served on fifty-two local, state and national boards and was
passionately devoted to supporting many New Haven non-profits including
the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, the Long Wharf Theatre,
the Elm Shakespeare Theater, St. Raphael's Hospital Foundation, and
L.E.A.P.
Louise was the epitome of a ``people-person.'' She intrinsically
understood the soul of a person--where their passions lay and how best
they could make a difference. Louise herself was one of the most giving
people I have ever had the good fortune to know. She was affectionately
known as the ``matchmaker''--not because she matched people for love,
but because she could match people to the best ways in which they could
contribute to the community. Louise connected people with complimenting
talents, ensuring the success of countless organizations and events. In
a word, she was remarkable.
I myself benefitted from her unique talents. Louise was one of the
first people to approach and encourage me to run for Congress. I
remember her coming to me and asking if I would ever consider running,
and when I replied that I was, she said, ``let me introduce you to . .
.'' and the rest, as they say, is history. I, like so many others,
consider myself fortunate to have called her my friend.
Louise was an extraordinary woman whose kind heart and generosity
touched the lives of many. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-
grandmother, Louise is survived by her three daughters, Susan, Barbara,
and Patricia; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. To them, I
extend my deepest sympathies and hope that they know what an enormous
impact Louise had on all those who knew her. Hers is a legacy that will
continue to inspire generations to come.
____________________