David Thomas: “I rise today to support H.J. Res. 60 and to pay tribute to my friend Maureen Reagan, a loving wife and mother, a…”

“I rise today to support H.J. Res. 60 and to pay tribute to my friend Maureen Reagan, a loving wife and mother, a dedicated member of the Republican Party, and a crusader for Alzheimer's Disease sufferers. I also extend my deepest condolences to her husband, my friend and former constituent, Dennis Revell, and their daughter Rita. I had the privilege of knowing Maureen for over two decades. In 1980, she was a tireless volunteer in her father's campaign for the White House. Following his election, she became a vigorous activist for female Republicans, raising funds for over 100 candidates. She also served in an appointed position in the California Republican Party, and later ran to be a Member of this House. After President Reagan poignantly shared with the world his Alzheimer's diagnosis, Maureen continued to dedicate her life to another worthy cause: educating the American public about this debilitating and degenerative disease. Even as Maureen was personally battling cancer, her resolve in making Americans more aware of Alzheimer's disease was remarkable; her passion unyielding. Testifying in front of congressional committees, Ms. Reagan added her voice in promoting the worthy work of our federal medical research agencies. Until the very end, Maureen continually reminded all of us how public advocacy can be vibrant and how public service can be courageous.”