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Louise Slaughter
1929 - 2018
Louise Slaughter
1929 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1929
DIED
2018
Louise Slaughter Obituary
The New York Democrat died at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, said Liam Fitzsimmons, her chief of staff, a week after a fall in which she'd sustained a concussion.
Slaughter was serving her 16th term in the House, and her 31 years in the chamber made her its third longest-serving woman, according to the official House website. She chaired the rules committee from 2007 through 2010.
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Slaughter had a degree in microbiology and was originally from Harlan County, Kentucky, and her soft, twangy accent always seemed out of place for someone representing a district around Rochester, New York. But she was repeatedly re-elected —including a narrow victory in 2014 — and was the longest-serving member of Congress from New York when she died.
"Louise never forgot her roots as the daughter of a Kentucky blacksmith," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement. "She brought the grace and grit of her Southern background to her leadership in the Congress, building bridges and breaking down barriers all with her beautiful accent. Louise could be fiercely debating on the floor in the morning, and singing in harmony with her colleagues across the aisle in the evening."
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., called Slaughter "a giant in the people's House" and said she was "unrelenting" in working for her ideals and constituents. "Louise did not need a gavel to make a dent in history," Ryan said.
Slaughter was the chief force behind a 2012 law to ban insider stock trading based on congressional knowledge and require disclosure of market activities by lawmakers. She also helped write the Violence Against Women Act and a 2008 law designed to protect people with genetic predispositions to health conditions from facing discrimination from their employers or health insurance companies.
Her death creates a vacancy at the top of the Democratic side of the Rules panel, which sets the terms of House floor debates. It's likely to be filled by Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.
When Slaughter was first elected in 1986, she ousted GOP Rep. Fred Eckert after running a campaign advertisement in which Peggy Say accused him of refusing to "speak up" for her brother, kidnapped Associated Press reporter Terry Anderson.
Say and Anderson were both from the Rochester, New York, area. Anderson, the AP's Middle East bureau chief, had been captured the year before by Islamic militants in Beirut, Lebanon, and was not released until 1991.
We invite you to share condolences for Louise Slaughter in our Guest Book.
___
Written by ALAN FRAM, Associated Press
Associated Press writers Andrew Taylor and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
87 Entries
M C
April 19, 2018
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
April 11, 2018
To the family and friends of Louise Slaughter. My deepest sympathy to all. May the God who gives Comfort be with the family in these difficult days ahead.
JS
Dr. D. B.
March 29, 2018
May God grant eternal memory to our humble sister Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Remember always her kindnesses to the Original Peoples of the US and Canada, to the disabled, to Widows of Veterans, and to the poor. May the Lord take notice of only the goodness in her heart, and forgive her imperfections.
How you can show support
Karen Rae
March 27, 2018
I was so sorry to hear of Louise's passing. She was an icon in so many ways, our mutual passion for passenger rail, was certainly the key professional connection and , she was amazing. On a more personal note, while working in Washington, I fell and broke my arm, Louise would call me several times a week for months to check on me - almost always after she left her Rules Committee - basically after 10 PM at night. I will miss her kind spirit , relentless passion and her smile - my deepest sympathy to all the amazing Slaughter family. Thank you for sharing her. Karen Rae
Robert Basil
March 26, 2018
Louise Slaughter helped my family address a personal as well as community problem in the late seventies, when she was a newly elected Monroe County legislator. Around that time, she also helped save the magical playground of my youth, Hart's Woods, a beach-maple forest speckled with rare trillium flowers.
My parents, George and Maureen Basil, who passed away in 2016, became citizens in 1976, the USA bicentennial year, and happily voted for Louise Slaughter in every single election in which she ran. Our entire family was proud to call her our representative.
Amy, your mother meant a great deal to my family and to me. I never had the luck to meet her, but I imagined that the apple did not fall far from the tree as far as you were concerned. Blessings to you and your family.
Rose Mary (Rosie) Hughes
March 23, 2018
Louise Slaughter, with her southern accent and her strong woman image, was the Rochester area's own Steel Magnolia. I met her first on a social level and then on a professional one. At one time I was a project coordinator for an RIT program to help women re-enter the labor market after years away. The participants in the program had never had the opportunity of a graduation of any kind, so it was my goal to give them one. I reached for the top to be the commencement speaker and, despite her busy schedule, Louise's reply was, "Of course, Rosie! When and where!" No hesitation, no excuses--Louise would come! Her address was inspirational . . . think of the pride of those women . . . Louse Slaughter spoke to them! She hung around for the refreshments and to speak personally to as many women as possible. How could you not love and respect such a woman? Such a role model for women of all ages--from young to the more mature women! What an inspiration to men of all ages. My sincerest condolences to her family. May God bless Louise Slaughter and may God bless those who love her and will miss her.
Bonnie Cohen
March 23, 2018
Louise was a angel to me and now she is! My prayers & condolences go out to her friends & family! 1/17/12 I reached out to her as my Congress woman to please help me as I was diagnosed after a year of suffering & misdiagnosis in SC. I moved back to Rochester & to see our Doctors up here. I was 42 & having major brain surgery in 1 month/3days! I was scared on 1/03 tried to get ssdi but no answers on computer, or on phone . She said she would do everything to help me , asked for my email & cell #. 2 days later received her assistance call they said they will promise to get things pushed through in a few weeks. I sent them a medical release form from. Louis sent me several emails every week, her assistant talked or text me every day! Two days before surgery was told it's all set she got me approved and she sent me a personal email the day before my surgery! Explained I would need a physical once dismissed from hospital. Well my minor brain surgery ended up being major brain surgery,2 days in ICU & amnesia to this day for first 4 days , first day I remember I couldn't use my left side, had a bald head a scar ear to ear instead of a 3 inch circle! Was informed I was paralyzed on my left side ( I was left handed) the day before I told her I was scared and didn't know how I would be after surgery she continued to fight and informed disability I was in hospital, paralyzed and would be in hospital for 3-4 weeks! She even sent me a sweet & personnel email one week after discharge she made me laugh and cry. She was so spunky , sweet & spoke her mind. With all her responsibilities she stood up for and help a total stranger. I was a scared 42 year old women. I can walk on my own now but , it's a struggle everyday with nerve damage. But I'm still disabled with tremors, nerve damage & disorder daily, but I'm here, tumor is gone & have full disability benefits. I am so greatful to this sweet, careing, out spoken lady Louise Skaughter! Now is time to let your spirit fly high and knowing you will be a guardian angel for so many ! Rest In Peace Louise
The Rev. Deven Hubert
March 23, 2018
I was so sorry to hear of Louise's death. What an outstanding leader and person she was. We are remembering her at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Fairport.
Don Suhr
March 22, 2018
Louise helped us directly to change an obsolete rule that would have prevented us from operating on Lake Ontario. I was stunned hearing that she had died after a fall, it just didn't seem possible, she was always so vital. Her passing is a loss for so many, but also for New York, and the whole United States.
L D
March 22, 2018
Louise-An inspiration! Thank You for all You have done for humanity, politics, and the planet! Your a blessing!
Rest in peace.
Janice Rivenburg
March 22, 2018
I was so saddened when I heard of Louise's death. She is one of the few politicians who actually care about the people she serves rather than serving her political party! She helped the company I owned get back the money owed me by the Treasury Department. I was unsuccessful until she stepped in and took control of the situation. My heart goes out to Louise's family and friends for their loss. R.I.P. dear Louise. You deserve the rest, but knowing you, you're already working hard on the other side to make sure the work you left unfinished is completed.
Diane Tanner
March 22, 2018
May God continue to strength and keep the family in his Loving Arms. Sorry for your lost and ours too.
Marilynne Lipshutz
March 22, 2018
Louise was a visionary, a role model, a beloved family member and so much more. Her voice was heard in many places. Though stilled now, your words will continue to inspire and change us.
Helen Stewart
March 22, 2018
Our Nation has lost an incredible patriot and servant for the people. Women have lost a positive role model and strong advocate. I heard the sad news of Louise Slaughther's passing while attending National Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill. Even in her passing she has sent a strong message to all. She became a victim of brain injury and this "Silent Epidemic".
Anyone...Anytime...Anywhere...Brain Injury Does Not Discriminate.
My heartfelt condolences to family, friends and fellow Americans. May her work carry on and may she rest in peace.
March 22, 2018
We are so sorry for the loss of Louis she will be greatly missed. May your family have peace and comfort during this sad time.
faith/rory tobin/dockett
March 21, 2018
Dear Slaughter Family Rory and I express our condolences's on the loss of Louise Slaughter.luv,faith/rory
Gail O'Grodnik
March 21, 2018
Louise has been my neighborfor the 44 years that I have lived in the Manor.
She always attended neighborhood get-togethers and brought smiles to many faces. She will be sorely missed. May God bless her.
Gail O'Grodnik
Diane
March 20, 2018
you have inspired many people and made your voice heard..and you will be remembered each and every day..May you RIP and still help others..
SAH
March 20, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Beth
March 19, 2018
In honor of a strong, bright, brilliant LEADER, I am wearing my smile, the tool she used to work miracles. Thank you!
Taylor's
March 19, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Margaret Rush
March 19, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Holding your family in my heart at this difficult time.
Gregory Gorea
March 19, 2018
We lost a champion of working people, a true friend to the members of UFCW Local One and all working people, Louise was there for us protecting our members interests during the Penn Traffic Bankruptcy, stood by us during our fight with the Federal Transportation Administration when RTA was taking bus driver jobs away from First Student members, she was the first to fight for better working conditions in meat packing plants, and higher staffing levels in hospitals and nursing homes. She never missed a Local One stewards conference and she always invited us right on the congressional floor when UFCW members and officers went to Washington to lobby workers issues. There will never be another Louise Slaughter and she will surely be missed by her brothers and sisters at UFCW Local One.
Jim Yockel
March 19, 2018
The Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS would like to share our condolences with all of Louise's family and friends. Louise was a great partner in building our community, a strong advocate for the people of our region, and a good friend. We will miss her fighting spirit and devotion to Rochester greatly.
R
March 19, 2018
To family, and friends. ..My condolences. .
May God comfort you, giving you strength to endure this difficult time...
Mike McNulty
March 19, 2018
To all of Louise's Family: Louise and I were both elected to the NY State Assembly in 1982, and later served together in Congress for 20 years. I have lost a wonderful Friend, and I'm very sorry for your great loss.
Richard Lipsitz
March 19, 2018
On behalf of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO I express our deepest condolences on the passing of Congresswoman Slaughter. Louise was a staunch supporter of the labor movement, a wonderful congressperson and a warm friend.
She will be missed in a profound way.
Richard Lipsitz
President
Rose
March 19, 2018
My sympathy to Louise Slaughter family and friends,and her constituents for your loss.
R D
March 19, 2018
Deepest sympathy to the Slaughter family.
christian
March 19, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort prove to be your stronghold during this difficult time.
Psalm 18:2
March 19, 2018
Truly saddened to hear about Louise Slaughter's passing. Her fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet her in Paradise! Luke23:43
March 19, 2018
To the family, I am sorry to hear the news a about your loss.
May God who "binds up the broken hearted" and comforted all who mourns" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2
March 19, 2018
May the God of all comforts prove to be with the family at this most difficult time.
Fiona Bladon
March 18, 2018
I was on the staff attached to the Canadian delegations for a number of Canada-US association meetings, and I will always remember Louise Slaughter as brilliant, forthright, kind, and good. May her memory inspire for years to come.
March 18, 2018
To Amy and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers from my family to yours.
Ronnie Mangione
Amy Steed
March 18, 2018
We have lost an amazing , irreplaceable woman who has done so much for so many. I am honored to have known this kind soul. God Bless the Slaughter family.
Stephanie Jeffery-Dexter
March 18, 2018
We will miss u..
Patrice DeLaus Scully
March 18, 2018
My name is Patrice DeLaus Scully and I grew up on Manor Hill Drive. I remember Louise as a great neighbor. My parents, Mike and Jackie DeLaus, still live on Manor Hill Drive.
Louise never forgot her Fairport roots. Before she did great things in Congress she did great things locally like saving Hart's Woods.
My 23 year old nephew Matthew posted on his Facebook today that he just signed a petition for Louise on Monday and described how much he admired her. Louise has influenced 3 generations of my family.
On behalf of our family I like to extend our condolences to the Slaughter family.
LJ Kennedy
March 18, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lynn & Betty Buckley
March 18, 2018
We are C-Span junkies who fell in love with Rep. Slaughter with the kind voice and common sense many years ago. After the first impression I googled her name and learned she lived in Monticello, Ky as a child. Then I googled the 1940 USA census and there her name was and her family information. She has made a difference in our life simply by being the admirable and compassionate lady she proved to be on TV and in the Chamber. We are so sad for the loss of one who made a difference in our nation. Representatives like her are few. God's blessing on you as you move on in this world. Our sympathy to you.
March 18, 2018
Louise Slaughter will always be remembered as Mrs. Monroe County in addition to Mrs. Perinton....having granted so much to all of those she represented and whose causes she so diligently fought for each and every day. Blessed to have known her. Proud having her represent my country.
March 18, 2018
May the family be comforted by God's promise at Hosea13 :14.
Henry D. Harring
March 18, 2018
We have lost an angel, who was a beautiful caring humanitarian to our community . I met Congresswoman Slaughter at the Baltimore airport, several yrs ago, while returning on a flight to Rochester, NY. We sat together on those flights, and she would always greet me by my first name, when we saw each other at the airport terminals. My deepest condolences go out to the family. God Bless
Just mobths ago, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter met with College Democrats of SUNY Brockport.
Mark Steffenilla
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
What a great icon. She was the force behind the new Amtrak train station in Rochester n y . My condolences to her family. What a shining example of a woman who created change for the better, in her lifetime. Deepest regret, Mary Louise Hart , (originally from Rochester.)
Noreen Boje
March 18, 2018
Grateful for all you have done, holding your memory in our hearts. Thank you on behalf of all of us in Rochester.
Karen Kingrey
March 18, 2018
Louise, you will be missed. I will never forget you. You asked me to ride with you & 2 volunteers to the event. A driver couldn't find right direction. You asked me to find a direction. We did it. We arrived at the event. It was her first Congressional campaign.
Louise with NY & Monroe Co Democrats 1986
Karen Kingrey
March 18, 2018
Louise & Karen in 1998
Karen Kingrey
March 18, 2018
Louise's campaign volunteers in 1986
Karen Kingrey
March 18, 2018
1986 First Congressional campaign
Karen Kingrey
March 18, 2018
Harry Davis
March 18, 2018
Louise Slaughter was my congresswoman. 16 terms. Louise caught my eye way back in the early 70's way before congress election when she was a neighborhood house wife working to stop the bull dozing of an old growth forest in the Rochester area.
Very surprising sad sad day here today, Huge loss in Congress. Just about one year ago was the last time I saw Louise. I was at my doctors office in the hall way. She came running through with a stack of papers to some office: had the energy of a 20 year old. I said, "Hi, Louise"
Lisa McGinn
March 18, 2018
So sorry for the loss of a great lady. She paved the way for future women to achieve higher office. I hope your family finds peace and comfort in all the treasured memories. She will be missed.
Lisa Trabold McGinn, Nancy and Andy Trabold
Lori Skoog
March 18, 2018
Louise was a champion, loved by so many for all that she did for us. May she rest in peace.
Gus and Pat
March 18, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to the Slaughter family and loved ones for the loss of Louise. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time of loss.
Mary Ann Chesia
March 17, 2018
3/16/18 I am so sorry and saddened to hear of Honorable Louise Slaughter passing. I was just reading my news letter I received from Louise Slaughter about issues and how she got the money to renovate Rochester New York Train station. She called me back in the 90's when I had an issue and left a voice mail of exactly what she was going to do about it. A few months later I received mail from White House and they dealt with it. Louise Slaughter was a supporter for Violence Against Women. Rochester N.Y. has lost the best we ever had and as Hillary Clinton said about her at a rally here, mentioning Louise Slaughter as "The irreplaceable Congresswoman Louise Slaughter" That is all I can think of to say Louise Slaughter will be irreplaceable. I loved her and I will miss her dearly.
Sue Ann Dunford
March 17, 2018
I offer my most heartfelt condolences. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.
Sue Ann Dunford
Rochester, NY
Beth Williams
March 17, 2018
My condolences and heart go out to you. I remember meeting your mom several times at different events. She was strong and courageous. A true champion for women and all of Wesyern New York. She will be greatly missed.
Donna Cullen
March 17, 2018
Upstate New York truly blessed by the tireless efforts of Louise Slaughter. Her example as an across-the-aisle legislator benefits the American public as well as those privileged to work with her. Over the decades, she impressed with her command of diverse topics, issues, facts, and figures. Her power with grace set her apart. Condolences to her family and to those whom she held dear.
Sally
March 17, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
March 17, 2018
My sincere condolences for your loss. May God fulfill his promise to bind up the brokenhearted and help you endure this difficult time. Isa. 61:1
March 17, 2018
Taiwanese Americans are saddened by the sudden death of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.
Congresswoman was a friend of Taiwan. She was a friend of Taiwanese Americans in Rochester, New York.
She not only cosponsored Taiwan legislation, she, as the Rules Committee chair, chaired the public hearing on Taiwan Security Enhancement Act for a vote, which passed in the House of Representatives in 1999.
To the family and children of Congresswoman Slaughter, she lives in the hearts of million of Taiwanese in the world.
Sincere condolences to her family, daughters, and grandchildren.
May God bless you.
Kenneth Hsu, Professor Emeritus,
Rochester Institute of Technology
March 17, 2018
My condolences to the Slaughter family. May those mourning find comfort in each other and in God during this difficult time.
Ann
March 17, 2018
We are disconsolate at the loss of our dear Louise. Heaven got a new angel yesterday. We shall never again have another like her. Please accept our condolences at the loss of your mother.
March 17, 2018
My sincere hope is that family and friends find comfort in their fond memories of Louise. Please accept my full condolences for your loss.
Sue Mangefrida Beck
March 17, 2018
Amy, Meg & Robin - I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She always greeted us at the door with a smile and I can still hear that sweet Kentucky accent. She was never too busy for us - she made us feel as if we were the most interesting person in the world! Keeping you all in my heart.
Sue Mangefrida Beck
March 17, 2018
The FHS Class of '77 sends its deepest condolences to our classmate, Amy, and all the Slaughter family on the passing of Mrs. Slaughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
PAT A R SEARLES
March 17, 2018
BEING IN POLITICS IN ONTARIO COUNTY DURING LOUISE'S TERMS WAS EXCITING AND SHE AND HER HUSBAND BOB WERE SO THOUGHTFUL OF ME AND MY FAMILY WHEN MY HUSBAND DIED SHORTLY AFTER MY ELECTION AS COUNTY TREASURER - RIP LOUISE WITH BOB AT YOUR SIDE
PAT FULLER
March 17, 2018
CONGRESSWOMAN SLAUGHTER WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN. NO MATTER WHAT PARTY YOU BELONGED TO SHE WOULD HELP YOU SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM, SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND A FRIENDLY HELLO FOR YOU. LOUISE YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Shelley Szymko
March 17, 2018
Louise was an incredible and lovely woman, both inside and out. She did great things for humanity. My sincere condolences to her Family. She created a legacy and she will be greatly missed.
March 17, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
mary greco
March 17, 2018
She was a real trailblazer in Washington.I meet her when she help sponsor the DES Information and Education Act. She will be missed. Thank you for your service to the DES community. God Speed prayers
KATIE OBRIEN
March 17, 2018
Thank you for taking such good care of the Monroe County residents as well as the rest of the country, you will be missed so much. Condolences to your family and close friends.
March 16, 2018
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
March 16, 2018
We have lost a national treasure whose advocacy cannot be replaced. It has been a privilege to support her campaigns over many years and to cheer her accomplishments. Sincerest sympathies to her family, who will miss her most.
F. E. Tobey
sue hacker
March 16, 2018
We are thinking of you in your time of loss.
Kathryn Irby
March 16, 2018
Thank you for your service. You will be missed. Rest in Peace.
March 16, 2018
My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort grant you strength during this difficult time.
Michele
March 16, 2018
So sorry for the loss of Mrs. Slaughter. She made her mark on history and will be remember for her good work. May the God of all comfort bring her family and friends peace and comfort during this tragic time.
Adrian Barnette
March 16, 2018
We'll miss you !
Jackie
March 16, 2018
We thank family and friends for the 31 years and more of their love one service
For her spirit of giving Acts 20:35 there's more happiness in giving than receiving was surely her life long goal
May God grant family and friends that same spirit as they embrace each other during this time
May Our Heavenly Father grant you peace from above
K. Minor
March 16, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. May the Father of tender mercies be with you.
Kathryn Irby
March 16, 2018
Congresswoman Slaughter will be so greatly missed. Her death is so unfortunate. Her expertise was so needed in Washington, D.C. Thank you for your fantastic work, Congresswoman. Rest in Peace.
Carol Garafalo
March 16, 2018
It was heartbreaking to hear Louise Slaughter passed away. God Bless her and her family. I watched her on TV a lot. She had such a positive,outlook on keeping the workforce alive, creating jobs for a better future. A huge loss. A really great woman. RIP. In God ' s Kingdom.
Debbie Terwilliger
March 16, 2018
I grew up down the street from the Slaughter family. I remember Louise as a no-nonsense woman who spoke her mind, quick to laugh (or not, as the situation demanded). I was in awe of her then, and always. The world has lost a very bright light, both from a personal and political perspective. Louise's shoes will never be filled. My sincerest condolences to her daughters and their families.
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