[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   TRIBUTE TO ELEANOR STEWART PERRINE

                                 ______


                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 1994

  Mr. WELDON. Mr. Speaker, today it is my privilege to congratulate a 
lifelong citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Eleanor S. 
Perrine, on the celebration of her 85th birthday, which is next week on 
February 16. In her fourscore and five years, Mrs. Perrine has truly 
lived the American Dream through a life of steadfast devotion to her 
family, church and community.
  Born in agrarian Franklin Township to Maud and Frank Stewart, Eleanor 
and her older brother George were at an early age instilled with the 
values needed to prosper during the far more than an average lifetime. 
Mr. Stewart enjoyed his family until his passing at age 96, while Mrs. 
Stewart survived him and lived to the age of 102. Mrs. Perrine remains 
close to her brother, who this week, coincidentally, celebrates his 
90th birthday.
  As a young woman, Eleanor Stewart developed two loves--one for music 
and another for the man whom she would share 54 years, J. Harold 
Perrine. They met when attending Grove City College, where she majored 
in music and he in chemical engineering. After graduation in 1930, Mr. 
Perrine landed a position in Philadelphia with the Sun Oil Co. Armed 
with her music degree, Miss Stewart returned to Franklin Township to 
teach music in the local school. Their courtship continued despite a 
statewide separation. During this pre-turnpike era, Mr. Perrine 
traversed Pennsylvania's country roads on weekends for over a year 
until August 1931, when Miss Stewart became Mrs. Perrine.
  After their marriage the young couple moved east to Delaware County 
where they became involved in their community and, after a few years, 
began a family. While supporting Mr. Perrine's rapidly advancing career 
with Sun Oil Company and lovingly mothering two daughters, Mrs. Perrine 
founded the Delaware County Choral Society and volunteered her caring 
skills at what is now the Crozer Chester Medical Center. The Perrine 
family also became active members in the Presbyterian Church, where 
Mrs. Perrine taught Sunday School and participated in the choir. They 
also became active members of the Springhaven Club, where Mr. and Mrs. 
Perrine shared a passion for golf and pursued other civic endeavors.
  Friends have always appreciated Mrs. Perrine's ebullient personality 
and quick wit. Once while driving to visit her brother, a State trooper 
stopped her for speeding. Honest and forthright she admitted the 
offense, then impishly requested a senior citizen discount on the fine. 
Though it no doubt made the trooper's day, her quip produced no 
leniency.
  Change is no adversary for Mrs. Perrine. After outgrowing homes in 
Norwood, Prospect Park and Wallingford, the Perrine family settled on 
Oak Crest Lane in Swarthmore. But as their daughters left the nest and 
Mr. and Mrs. Perrine were set to begin the golden years, they were 
dislocated by the construction of an interstate highway known as the 
Blue Route. Undaunted, the Perrine's relocated to the nearby Strath 
Haven condominiums again becoming involved and making friends in 
another community.
  Despite losing her husband in 1985, Mrs. Perrine is still extremely 
active and vigorous. Indeed, family and friends report that in the last 
10 years, she has set her foot on every continent, save Africa and 
Antarctica, studied music history in Sorrento, Italy, and tried cross 
country skiing for the first time at age 80. She also became one of the 
first residents of Granite Farms Estates, which has grown into a 
wonderful community of over 500 lively senior citizens. Very active 
socially at the Estates, she also contributes spiritually by playing 
the piano for vespers services. Beyond simply enjoying retirement 
years, Mrs. Perrine continues to actively contribute to many of the 
same organizations she joined nearly 50 years ago. Mrs. Perrine 
continues to work one day a week at the Crozer Chester Medical Center, 
where, among the activities, she has knitted over 400 stocking caps 
worn by newborns. She also remains deeply involved with her church and 
at Springhaven Club.
  With good health, a wealth of friends, and a family numbering two 
daughters and their husbands, five grandchildren, a grandson-in-law and 
one great grandson, no tribute can adequately convey the importance of 
Mrs. Perrine to those whose lives she has touched. Nonetheless, Mr. 
Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Perrine's 
85-year legacy, and wish her the best in what her family history 
portends will be many years of vibrant life to come.

                          ____________________