Longtime resident Josephine Matula died July 4, 2004. Known as "Joan" to most of her friends, she was employed at Goldwater Memorial Hospital and lived at the Central Nurses Residence before moving to Eastwood in 1975. She worked to establish the Roosevelt Island Senior Association, and was a very active fund-raiser in its early years, organizing bake sales and other activities.

At one time, she was known as the "Sunshine Girl," calling upon seniors who were ill, and sending them get-well cards.

She was long a member of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council, active in the Democratic Party, and a frequent campaigner for many politicians.

Joan loved to dance, and was often called "the life of the party." She became a great-grandmother in May.

When my daughter Lauren Kraut was younger, she and Joan Matula were close friends. When I told Lauren of Joan's death, she wrote these lines...

For Joan Matula

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Joan Matula, New York City native and longtime resident and champion of Roosevelt Island. Ms. Matula, who passed away on July 4, 2004, leaves behind an Island of devoted friends, loyal colleagues, and an incredible record of community service. Joan Matula, ever-resourceful and full of energy, worked daily to promote the interests of her community and to improve the lives of Roosevelt Island residents. Roosevelt Island will miss her dearly.

Ms. Matula was the youngest of fourteen children. Sadly, only seven of the youngsters survived; but Joan had proven from an early age that life - every second of it - was to be lived fully. Her parents, immigrants from Italy, moved to Greenwich Village, where she was born and raised. Though quick to tell you that she was "very spoiled," Joan was anything but. Her life was full and rich, but not as an effect of indulgence; its resplendence was the result of the importance she placed on caring for others and leading a conscientious and fruitful life.

It was in her retirement years that Joan showed her true devotion to her community. Just months after leaving Goldwater hospital, at age 65, Joan, Founder and President of the Roosevelt Island Senior Association (RISA), spearheaded the fund-raising efforts that resulted in its first budget in 1977. It is through her efforts that RISA earned the New York City Department of Aging's official certification of the organization.

And that was merely the beginning. Joan Matula, reportedly the first resident of 546 Main Street, committed over 25 years of her life to Roosevelt Island: She was a long-time representative to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council for the Senior Building at 546 Main Street, a committed and active member, and a distinguished and cherished community activist. Even in her public retirement statement at age 91, Joan showed her commitment to her community, writing, "After much debating with myself the pros and cons, I have decided to step down from my position as member of the RIRA Council. Twenty-five years is a long time to be on the RIRA Board. Sorry, as much as I love you all and would like to continue, I would like to take life easy. True, I will miss you all. I am available at all times if I can help you in any way."

Joan Matula helped others until the last of her days. It is not simply what she did for Roosevelt Island that made Joan so special. Many have said of her that she was "sharp-witted," a woman who was "well-informed," with "strong opinions" and "cogent thoughts," "a woman to be reckoned with." It is true that Joan was feisty, but her feisty nature was tempered with a gentle awareness of people and their needs and complimented by a sense of humor that left all in its wake teary with laughter.

Born of another era, she was hard-working and did not shy away from inspiring others to follow suit. Her energy was truly awe-inspiring. At her 90th birthday, she danced the night away, and at 93 she continued to provide welcome advice and suggestions on the Medicare bill and public-safety initiatives. Joan, "a great lover of life," truly lived life to its fullest.

Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in honoring the late Joan Matula, whose lifetime of commitment to Roosevelt Island, ready smile, sharp wit, and joy of life, has touched us all. To Ms. Matula's friends, family members, and colleagues, I offer my respect, admiration, and support.