[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S14046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            GLORIA GILLESPIE

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, as we head toward Christmas and the close of 
this session of Congress and this turbulent and tragic first year of 
the new millennium, I want to pause to remember a young woman who 
passed away this summer. Gloria Margaret Gillespie was a friend of 
mine.
  Many Members of the Senate and staff will remember Gloria, for she 
worked in the Senate hair salon for 29 years. She cut my hair. Probably 
for the first time that my hair was ever cut at that salon she cut--28 
years or 29 years ago. She worked there for 29 years.
  She loved her work, and she loved her friends and she loved life. 
Gloria had a cheerful, loyal, uplifting spirit. And her time on this 
Earth was far, far too brief. She was only 54 years of age when she 
passed away in Berea, KY, this past July--54.
  Five years ago, Gloria began a battle with cancer. She had smoking-
related lung cancer. But instead of withdrawing, she used her illness 
as a forum to warn others about the dangers of smoking.
  Gloria did not win her battle with cancer, but to the end, even in 
the face of great pain, she remained a fighter and a friend to all--
someone who loved the Senate and someone who loved life.
  Gloria Gillespie knew that each day is a gift. Each day is a gift. 
She cherished each waking moment. She found great joy in seeing people 
alive. From childhood, Gloria possessed a deep and abiding faith in 
God. That strong faith made her courageous and deeply appreciative of 
the sheer wonder of the world that God created.
  Her unfailing optimism was contagious, as was her impish laughter. 
She brought a special kind of joy to all of her endeavors. She made the 
load a little lighter for all who knew her.
  Gloria is survived by her parents, C.H. and Mary Frances Gillespie of 
Berea, KY, one niece, Lisa Gillespie, and one nephew, David Gillespie.
  Along with all the members of her family and her legions of friends, 
I shall miss Gloria. But I shall think of her during this Christmas 
season, and I shall never, never, never forget her.

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