[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 24, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF ROSE FITZGERALD KENNEDY

  (Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, the matriarch of America's most celebrated 
political family, who passed away on Sunday surrounded by family and 
friends at her home in Hyannis Port, MA. She was 104. Her remarkable 
life spanned a century and saw great triumph and despair, but through 
it all Rose Kennedy always carried herself with the characteristic 
grace, style, and dignity that became her trademark.
  Born in 1890, Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald was introduced to politics at 
an early age by her father, the former Congressman and mayor of Boston, 
John F. ``Honeyfitz'' Fitzgerald. A gifted student who spoke several 
languages, she graduated from Convent of the Sacred Heart in Boston and 
at age 24 married businessman Joseph Patrick Kennedy.
  In the next 18 years Joseph and Rose Kennedy had nine children. One 
would be elected President of the United States. Two served in the 
Senate. And another became Ambassador to Ireland. But with every great 
victory, there always seemed to be an even greater loss--in Dallas in 
1963, and again in Los Angeles 5 years later.
  It was during these times of great sorrow that Americans saw the 
strength of Rose Kennedy, the deep convictions, and the intense and 
unyielding dedication to her faith. In her quiet manner she inspired 
millions of Americans, and helped us overcome our collective grief.
  She will be remembered as an outgoing daughter, a caring wife, a 
loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In the words of her 
son, John Kennedy, ``She was the glue that held the family together.'' 
She is being buried in Boston today. May she rest in peace.


                          ____________________