[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING VERNA IRENE SWOBODA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Verna Irene 
Swoboda, a lifelong resident of St. Joseph, Missouri, who is 
celebrating her 90th birthday, today, May 16, 2001. She was born in St. 
Joseph in 1911, the only daughter of Thomas and Vera Moore, along with 
her four brothers, Joseph, Wilbur, Norman, and Mason. She was married 
to her late husband, Ralph J. Swoboda, for 61 years.
  Verna's four children, Rachel, Tom, Vera, and Gloria are hosting a 
birthday celebration for her on May 26th at the home of her daughter, 
Rachel, in St. Joseph. It is expected that her entire family, including 
nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren will attend, many 
coming from out of state. Also, her many friends in the senior 
residence where she lives in her own apartment plan to celebrate with 
her on May 16th.
  Verna enjoys good health and is very active with her family, her 
church, her friends, and her hobbies. She still enjoys painting, 
writing poetry, reading good books, and working on her scrapbooks and 
picture albums. She is a very spunky lady with a very sharp wit and is 
adored by all who know her. She can tell a very good story and has 
always been proud of her Irish heritage, and she is especially proud of 
her hometown of St. Joseph.
  Again, I want to wish Verna Irene Swoboda all the very best on her 
90th birthday.

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