HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 91-4626, by Representative Kremen

     WHEREAS, The late Mary DeBeer LeCocq of Lynden served for decades as an outspoken, effective political leader in Whatcom County leaving her mark on county and state politics; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. LeCocq was, in 1951, the first woman to chair the Whatcom County Republican Central Committee and, a year later, was elected to the State House of Representatives; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. LeCocq was born in Belmont, Iowa on July 7, 1895, to Reverend John and Irena DeBeer; and

     WHEREAS, Despite the widely held belief that education for women was unnecessary, Mary worked with persistence and determination to graduate from high school in Pekin, Illinois, and to obtain a bachelor's degree from Normal School in Peoria, Illinois, after which she moved to South Dakota to teach school; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. LeCocq's interest in politics began in 1908 when her father took her to Peoria to see Teddy Roosevelt on the campaign trail, which inspired her to work hard for the Republican Party and to rise through its ranks; and

     WHEREAS, As an active member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, she campaigned on the temperance issue, winning her a seat in the Legislature in 1952; and

     WHEREAS, Her dedication to civility and sobriety prompted her outspoken denunciation of the notorious "Committee Room 13," a party room in the state Capitol, forcing its closure; and

     WHEREAS, Her courageous stand cost her party support, causing her to lose to a rival in a reelection bid in 1954; and

     WHEREAS, Despite that political defeat, Mrs. LeCocq remained active in county politics, serving in precinct committee posts and attending party meetings regularly;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize, praise, and honor Mary DeBeer LeCocq for her outstanding vitality and contributions to the citizens of Whatcom County and, indeed, all the citizens of Washington state;

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to members of Mary DeBeer LeCocq's immediate family. 

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

Resolution 4626 adopted by the Rules Committee of the

House of Representatives February 21, 1991.

          ________________________________

  Alan Thompson, Chief Clerk, House of Representatives