[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 123 (Thursday, September 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DOROTHY BRYAN O'NEILL ON THE OCCASION OF HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2001

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I introduce 
and honor Mrs. Dorothy Bryan O'Neill as she celebrates her 90th 
birthday on September 23, 2001. As a devoted wife and mother, Dorothy 
has led an exemplary life of dedication to her family and to her 
community.
  A native of Charleston, SC, Dorothy Bryan was born on September 23, 
1911. Upon her graduation from Burke High School, she married Mr. 
Lawrence I. O'Neill and became his wife, then mother to their 12 
children, including their third oldest Lawrence E. O'Neill (Buddy), a 
resident of the county of Monmouth, NJ, since 1950. As her new family 
grew larger with the birth of each child, her commitment to them grew 
as well; 11 children have graduated college, some with graduate 
degrees, all going on to successful careers ranging from lawyers to 
business entrepreneurs. Carrying with her the inspiration of her 
mother, whom she considers her personal hero, Dorothy has maintained 
her strength and fully embodies the traits of kindness, selflessness, 
and encouragement that are only possessed by a truly devoted mother. 
Her own children describe her as their best friend, their confidant, 
and their trusted advisor.
  Today Dorothy is defined as ``a beacon and family matriarch for whom 
we all should aspire.'' In reaching her 90th year, Dorothy O'Neill has 
done more than fulfill her goal of raising successful children; rather, 
her dream lives on through her 54 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren 
and 4 great-great-grandchildren. ``Mrs. O'Neill once called her 
children an investment that paid many dividends.'' Fellow community 
members and friends admire Dorothy for her lifelong commitment to the 
idea of family and the important role that family plays in our society. 
As both a woman and an African-American, she is an inspiration to those 
who need to work a little bit harder in the midst of adversity in order 
to obtain personal achievement.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that you join me in distinguishing Dorothy 
Bryan O'Neill, as her 12 children and family celebrate her life as a 
most remarkable woman, wife and professional mother, in addition to her 
continuing efforts to sustain the invaluable institution of the family.

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