Thursday, Oct. 23

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With great sadness, U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood announced the passing of Corinne Michel, wife of former House minority leader

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[OCT. 23, 2003]  Corinne Woodruff Michel, 77, died Wednesday of complications from a stroke she suffered following surgery in January of this year. The former Corinne Woodruff was an accomplished musician and the wife of Robert H. Michel, a member of Congress for 38 years and the Republican leader of the House of Representatives for 14 of those years.

Recognized as her husband's closest adviser and confidant by those close to the couple, she possessed keen political insights and an informed understanding of his work, but she shunned attention. A friend called her Bob Michel's silent partner, "his sounding board." Mrs. Michel was a popular surrogate for the congressman in the 18th Congressional District of Illinois, attending events on his behalf, speaking with constituents whenever the need arose and monitoring the political pulse of the district.

Musically gifted -- she was noted for having perfect pitch -- she received a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of music education degree in piano from Bradley University and then taught music at Roosevelt Junior High School in Peoria.

She was a longtime community leader in music and the arts and was a member of the original community group to bring opera and ballet to Peoria. She was active in the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, the Peoria Players, the Amateur Music Club of Peoria and the Cornstock Theater. She was also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota musical fraternity.

In Washington, Mrs. Michel performed in a chamber music group. A member of the group described her as a "marvelous classical pianist."

Mrs. Michel met her husband when they both sang in the a cappella choir of Bradley University, and they were married in Peoria on Dec. 26, 1948.

Throughout the Michels' 54 years together in Illinois and in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Michel accompanied her husband on the piano while he entertained audiences with his singing. They were the feature entertainment at many receptions, holiday parties and other gatherings of friends, colleagues and staff.

In four decades of congressional life in the nation's capital, the role and responsibilities of political spouses changed dramatically as the social fabric of the country changed. Throughout that period, Corinne Michel served as a mentor, friend and counselor to many congressional wives and conducted orientation sessions for the spouses of new members of Congress. She was very active in the Congressional Club for members of Congress and their spouses and in the Republican Congressional Spouses, serving as an officer of both.

A close friend and former congressional spouse described her as "down-to-earth, a wonderful person with a terrific sense of humor and an infectious laugh," and added, "Everyone loved her, and she was so dedicated to her husband and her children." Another friend said, "You won't find anyone who ever said a bad word about her."

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She was a member of the Society of Sponsors of the U.S. Navy, and in 1968 she christened the USS Peoria in San Diego.

Mrs. Michel was the recipient of a number of awards, including one from the Children's Inn, which provides housing for parents of hospitalized children.

Each year, Bradley University awards the Corinne and Bob Michel scholarships. The Everett McKinley Dirksen Center in Pekin oversees the Robert H. and Corinne Michel Congressional Education Fund, created with a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Mrs. Michel was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Peoria, Pi Beta Phi sorority; the International Neighbors Club; the Daughters of 1812; the Republican Women's Federal Forum of Washington, for which she served as chairman in 1989 and 1990; the GS chapter of the PEO; and the Methodist Hospital Service League. She was a longtime volunteer for the Central Illinois Mental Health Association. She also served as a member of the board of directors of the Capitol Hill Club and headed congressional relations efforts for the first Reagan inauguration.

Corinne Ellen Woodruff was born in Onida, S.D, on April 30, 1926, to Constance Noste Woodruff and Lewis McCabe Woodruff. She lived in St. Paul, Minn., and Pittsburgh, Pa., before her family moved to Peoria, where she graduated from Peoria High School in 1943.

She is survived by her husband; four children, Scott of Chicago, Laurie of Alexandria, Va., Bruce of Vienna, Va., and Robin, San Francisco, Calif.; three grandsons, Matthew, Drew and Lucas; and a brother, Herbert W. (and Jesse) Woodruff of Salem.

She was preceded in death by two brothers.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wilton Mortuary in Peoria. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Corinne and Bob Michel Scholarship Fund at Bradley University.

[News release from U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood]

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