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WHEREAS, Catherine Baker Knoll began life in McKees Rocks, the daughter of future politician Nick Baker and the eighth of nine children, and went on to make an indelible mark on Pennsylvania government as a dedicated public servant; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Baker Knoll has touched each of us with her ardor, humor, blunt manner, and strong work ethic; and
WHEREAS, this "Steel Woman from the Steel City," who worked on her father's campaigns, worked hard at the Knoll family's hotel and restaurant, worked as a teacher, and helped pave the way for female candidates to run successfully for many positions, recently wrote, "A long time ago I received some useful wisdom: 'When you're going through hell, keep going!'"; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Baker Knoll passed away on November 12, 2008;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Council does hereby recognize and appreciate the transformational work Catherine Baker Knoll accomplished in her public career, beginning in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, modernizing and reforming the Treasurer's Office, and going on to serve diligently as Pennsylvania's first woman Lieutenant Governor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Council, certainly joining this City, County, and Commonwealth, being keenly aware of the immeasurable toll that sudden and serious disease can take, and being deeply saddened by the passing of this wonderful woman, hereby express our grief and extend our sympathy to her family, friends, and coworkers by declaring December 16, 2008, "Catherine Baker Knoll Memorial Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.
Passed in City Council Tuesday, December 16, 2008.