Furse's political career committed to social justice, service Friends and colleagues recall Washington County congresswoman's push to resolve tough issues. Tributes are being paid to former Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse, who championed the rights of women, migrant farmworkers and indigenous tribes even before she was elected to three terms in the U.S. House from Northwest Oregon. Furse died Monday, April 19. She was 84. U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, who was elected to the 1st District seat in 2012, offered a tribute to her predecessor. "As an immigrant and the third Oregon woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, she was a trailblazer and an inspiration to many — including me," the Democrat from Beaverton said in a statement.