Women of Montgomery, I attended the funeral service for Jean Cryor today, and was very moved by the entire service, and by the words of remembrance from her daughters, Deirdre Cryor and Allison Cryor DiNardo, and by Hon. Kathleen Dumais, who served with Jean in the Maryland delegation.  All told the story of a strong woman who overcame personal adversity when she suddenly lost her husband at the age of 39 with three daughters still at home.  She not only coped, but triumphed with successful careers in journalism and public service all the while putting her family first.  And I learned that another member of Montgomery Women, fellow Board member Donna Barron, was for many, many years a member of "Jean's Kitchen Cabinet."  Jean surrounded herself with other strong women.

Kathleen Dumais also mentioned her service on the Board of Montgomery Women. She was the keynote speaker at the Power Tea in 2005, and served in a variety of roles as a Board member. She was an at large member at the time of her passing. Montgomery Women remembers her substantive contributions, as well as the warmth and humor that characterized all that she did. We celebrate her life, and her many accomplishments. 

Meredith Wellington, November 9, 2009

Tribute by Senator Jennie Forehand, member of Montgomery Women