[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1211-E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY TO THOMAS AND IRENE NEWSHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a couple who have 
endured the test of time. On June 14, 1997, Thomas and Irene Newsham 
are celebrating their 50th wedding annniversary.
  Natives of Bay City, Tom and Irene met after a rolling skating party 
at a cafe on Midland Street. Shortly thereafter, they fell in love and 
made a commitment to spend their lives together, a commitment they have 
taken very seriously.
  In these days of disintegrating families, it is reassuring to see a 
strong, stable marriage built on love, respect and trust. They show the 
rest of us by example that a marriage can truly endure. Their faith and 
loyalty has been a great example to their 8 children and 13 
grandchildren. Their willingness to help others by giving their time 
throughout their lives has been greatly appreciated by their family and 
friends.
  Their home was always open to friends and strangers--a policy that 
continues today. While their house was full of children, they took in 
one more child, bringing the total to nine, to ensure that he, Jerry, 
would have a loving and caring home. Father Xavier, as he is now 
called, grew up to become a priest and shares with others the loving 
and caring nature he learned from the Newshams.
  Tom and Irene are also very proud of their eight biological children 
who have all dedicated their careers to service. Their eldest child 
Mary is a nurse and Janet and Tom both work for the sheriffs 
department. Ken and Jim, both retired, served in the Air Force and Navy 
respectively. Patrick is working toward his teaching degree, Ann works 
in the mental health field and their youngest, Maureen, is continuing 
her family tradition of public service.
  Tom served as a positive role model for his family. A World War II 
veteran, he was the fire marshall for the Bay City Fire Department 
until his retirement. Irene is a dynamic and energetic woman and her 
children and grandchildren often have a hard time keeping up with her 
fast pace. Following Tom's retirement, Irene worked for the Divison on 
Aging until last year when she retired to help her daughter with her 
newborn twins. Together, Tom and Irene blossomed into a strong family 
that is on 50 years and growing. Their newest grandchild is due in 
August.
  With so much talk on reinstalling traditional family values, this 
event deserves special recognition. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
wishing Tom and Irene good health and many more happy years together.

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