The City of Plymouth as well as its citizens are greatly saddened by the death of our beloved Second District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. Jackie was a fighter who didn’t just walk into a room…she kicked the door open with fervent energy and enthusiasm. She came to Plymouth many times especially when we were struggling with flooding in November of 2017 and our big flood in February of 2018 just to promise us a hand-up.
Mayor Mark Senter says, “Jackie is someone that I admired because she could just talk about a subject matter off the top of her head, and she always knew what she was talking about. I had her as the keynote speaker at each one of my campaign fundraisers and she spoke at several Lincoln Day Dinners where she always brought down the house if you will. I hope many stay inspired by her talents and her passion for fighting for this area.”
She had many passions as a congresswoman: the everyday concerns of her constituents, Veteran’s Affairs, the Right to Life, and the important manufacturing interests in our region. The Congresswoman, who grew up in South Bend and was a Riley High School graduate, also had ties to Plymouth. Her husband Dean Swihart is a 1984 graduate of Plymouth High School.
Our thoughts and prayers also go out to her press secretary Emma Thomson, St. Joseph County Republican Chairman Zach Potts as well as Edith Schmucker, the woman driving the other vehicle involved in the crash, and their families. The heart of Plymouth is with all the families involved.
