On Wednesday, I received an envelope with a letter asking for my contribution to Louse Slaughter’s Re-Election Committee. The envelope, torn at the top is now on my desk and inside is the form that I was planning to send with my check. On Thursday when we heard that she was hospitalized, we prayed for her healing. We held on to the hope that she would recover, as she has done in the past. She would return to work for the people and I would double my contribution.

Friday morning came the shockingly sad news that we have lost our warrior congresswoman. Many in Washington and around the country will offer fitting eulogies for this brave, upright, principled and highly effective congresswoman. We, her constituents, will remember her in our own way.

A few months ago I was at the Rochester airport picking up a visiting woman rabbi. There was Louise Slaughter standing next to us waiting for her ride. No entourage, no fanfare, just this woman with a big smile on her face and a warm greeting, asking how I was doing. We chatted, I introduced the two and Louise said, “I have met some women rabbis and I have always admired them. Such great women.”

Louise Slaughter was at forefront of the struggle for women’s rights. She grew up, she said, at a time in America when women were expected to clean up. And she cleaned up social messes, and she moved up justice concerns, and she lifted up women’s spirits. In 1991 Louise Slaughter with a few congressional women demanded from the Senate justice for Anita Hill. In 1994, she co-authored the Violence Against Women Act, which she called “one of the most important things” she had done during her congressional career. In 2014, she rejoiced at the expansion of the act to include protections for Native Americans, LGBT partners and immigrant women.

And here in Rochester Louise Slaughter embraced Susan B. Anthony’s legacy. Our congresswoman followed her footsteps to advance and ensure women’s rights. When she became the first woman to chair the House Rules Committee, she hung a photograph of Susan B. Anthony in front of her on the committee room wall. Now Louise Slaughter’s own portrait so fittingly hangs in that very room.

I wish that the day I saw the congresswoman at the airport I had taken a picture to capture her generosity, which permeated her political life. Whether we visited her at her Congressional office in Washington or her Rochester office in the Federal Building, Louise Slaughter’s space was marked by her sense of respect for humanity. Those who worked for her have reflected her approach. They were always connected, warm and personal.

It was a joy to support the Louise Slaughter. In her last letter she wrote: “Don’t forget my promise to you, dear friend. I will fight for our values every single step of the way, with good friends in Congress who share our beliefs. And I’ll be fighting with your faces, your names, your dreams etched into my heart.” It was signed, Louise.

So now congresswoman Louise, our hearts go out to your family, to your political family, your friends and supporters. You will be so missed. We will do our best to honor your memory by following your accomplished and brave legacy.