In Remembrance of Joan Albert Lawler

Floor Speech

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Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the life of Joan Albert Lawler, a respected businesswoman and passionate philanthropist, who touched countless lives by her life and work throughout Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Born in Syracuse, New York, Joni, grew up in McLean, Virginia. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont, she worked at the U.S. House of Representatives on the staff of Hon. Ron Marlenee and Hon. Albert Johnson, as well as the Clerk of the House and the Territorial Caucus. The positive feeling of helping others through legislation was a foundation for her good works that she continued throughout her life. It was here on Capitol Hill that she met her husband, John. They opened a watering hole for the young political community called ``The Third Party'' and were active members of the Congressional Flying Club. While raising her family, Joni earned a real estate license and co-founded a financial consulting firm, East West Financial Services.

In 2005, Joni moved with her family full-time to the Northern Neck of Virginia where she used her wide-ranging experience in business and philanthropy to become a pillar of the community, admired for her leadership, generosity, and grace. She served on the boards and committees of numerous organizations, creating many fundraising events that became beloved local traditions.

She always volunteered her time and leadership, establishing successful fundraising events that became longstanding traditions, with Our Lady of Victory Church and the elementary and high schools her three daughters attended including Our Lady of Victory School, Washington Waldorf School, and St. Margaret's School where she also served on the Board of Governors. Joni was guided by her deep faith, and spearheaded a successful capital campaign to support the construction of a new church rectory and office for St. Paul's Mission in Hague, VA. She truly was a doer of good works.

A pillar in the Commonwealth of Virginia, she was always striving to make a difference. I can assure you that our nation and Commonwealth is a greater, more successful place, due to her ever-present leadership and generosity. She is an example of community leaders that we all wish to emulate.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in remembering the life of Joan Albert Lawler, a life lived serving her community. Words alone cannot express our gratitude. May God bless Joni and her family.

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