[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 2, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RETIREMENT OF LILLIE PETIT GALLAGHER

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment out 
of this morning's business to commemorate a very special occasion in 
the life of a dear friend and a valued advisor, Lillie Petit Gallagher. 
This Friday, May 4, 2001, marks the last day of a long and 
distinguished career in public service for Lillie. As the Executive 
Director of St. Elizabeth Foundation in Baton Rouge, she has not only 
counseled hundreds of birth mothers but also helped in placing their 
children with loving families. In the thirteen years she has served as 
executive director of this fine organization, she has been a trusted 
friend, a surrogate mother, a guardian angel and a wise counsel to 
hundreds of parents and families.
  The US Census Bureau estimates that in one year 500,000 teenagers 
will choose to parent their babies; 450,000 will have abortions. 
Because of people like Lillie, these young adults have the confidence 
and support they need to choose adoption for their child. To 
demonstrate for you the kind of impact Lillie has had in shaping St. 
Elizabeth's, let me read an excerpt from a letter from one of her birth 
mothers, ``I was eighteen and fresh out of a bad relationship when I 
found out I was pregnant. I can remember not knowing what I was going 
to do. I guess in a lot of ways I just acted as if there was nothing 
wrong. For about three months no one knew of my pregnancy but me and a 
friend. Then we just really started talking about what to do one day 
and that's when it happened, just like a sign from God, a billboard 
sign saying: ``Pregnant and alone call . . .'' so we rode back to her 
house and called. A soft sweet voice answered the phone, ``St. 
Elizabeth Foundation.'' That is how I started my friendship and love 
for the people at St. Elizabeth's.'' This is just one of many examples 
of the special interventions that bring strength, hope and comfort to 
hundreds of families.
  A native of Cut Off, LA, Lillie's work on behalf of the children of 
Louisiana is not limited to her outstanding work at St. Elizabeth's. 
After graduating from St. Mary's Dominican College in New Orleans, she 
returned to LSU to obtain a graduate degree in child development and 
social services. She used those skills to teach early childhood at the 
college level, found a Montessori pre-school and served as the founding 
director of the statewide Gifted/Talented Program in the Louisiana 
State Department of Education. As if that is not enough, she also spent 
several years as host of a popular TV education program.
  Anyone who meets Lillie knows they have met someone very special. Her 
loving heart and determined spirit make her a tenacious advocate for 
children and their families and Louisiana and the Nation have been the 
great beneficiary. Her 36 year marriage to her husband, George, serves 
as a loving example, not only to her four beautiful children and 
precious grandchild, but to the young people she serves. My best wishes 
to you, Lillie, your husband, George, and your beautiful 
family.

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