[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 177 (Monday, December 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THANKING NURSE MARGARET MARY McHUGH O'NEILL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 15, 2003

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, as this session of Congress 
draws to a close, the entire congressional family in the House of 
Representatives must confront the impending retirement of one of our 
most beloved members, Nurse Margaret Mary McHugh O'Neill. While we are 
happy for Margaret as she draws to a close her career in Federal 
service, those of us who bid her farewell are doubtless more than a 
little worried about how we will make do without her.
  Irish by heritage, a New Englander by birth, and a saint by 
temperament, Margaret has surely touched the lives of countless men and 
women all over the world as she has worked in her chosen profession, 
nursing. As the proud wife of an Army officer, Margaret accompanied her 
husband Michael, and later their beautiful daughter Kathleen, around 
the world, setting a shining example of the best that the nursing 
profession has to offer. During her peripatetic career, Margaret has 
left her mark on the Army, the Red Cross, and elsewhere. Most recently, 
for the last dozen years Margaret has looked after the health and 
welfare of Members and staff of the House as an Occupational Health 
Nurse, posted in the Attending Physician's Health Unit in the Longworth 
Building.
  Upon my arrival in the House in 1999, I had no idea how fortunate I 
was to draw a room assignment in the Longworth Building. But I quickly 
realized how lucky I was, and remain to this day. Shortly after being 
sworn in, my Administrative Assistant took my wife Leslie and my sick 
daughter Laura down to Nurse O'Neill so that Laura could be treated. 
Later that first year, he also took me down to visit the nurse. I have 
to say that my wife and I, as well as our children, were charmed by 
Margaret's wit and soothing disposition. My family, the staff in both 
my personal and House Administration Committee offices, and I have 
sought Margaret's wise counsel, in far more than just medical matters, 
more than she can ever know, and I am sure we are not alone in this 
respect. Always there to minister to the physically sick and injured, 
as well as to salve an occasional bruised ego, or even merely to offer 
a cheery moment's respite from the many pressures of Capitol Hill, the 
effects to Margaret's toils on behalf of the rest of us over the years 
have been nothing less than miraculous. If you don't believe me, ask 
anybody who has ever visited her office. On most days, her office has 
more closely resembled a delicatessen, as the door opened and closed 
dozens of times an hour as her many patients sought her help and 
advice.
  I dare say sometime ago Margaret really should have installed one of 
those ``take-a-number'' dispensers so her patients could know how far 
down the queue they were. Of course, I use the word ``patients'' in the 
technical sense; the more correct term would be ``admirers,'' 
``confidants,'' or perhaps most simply, ``friends.'' I am certain that 
in a long career of public service, Margaret has not grown rich in the 
material sense. But in the practical and spiritual sense, I am 
confident that Margaret is among the richest women on earth, blessed by 
the admiration, friendship, good wishes and prayers of the thousands of 
lucky persons whose good fortune it has been to have known and worked 
in her midst through the years.
  While Margaret's congressional career may be drawing to a close much 
to our dismay, in truth, Margaret is merely expanding her horizons in 
search of others to serve professionally and spiritually. Margaret 
intends to continue her good works into her next career ministering to 
the needs of parishioners of St. Peter's on Capitol Hill, and studying 
theology. My staff and I find it comforting to know that Margaret will 
be nearby, where we can continue to seek her advice and counsel. Of 
course, being nearby, we hope and pray that she will visit us often, so 
we can continue and strengthen our friendship in the months and years 
ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us in the House family are privileged to know 
Nurse Margaret O'Neill. It has been a joy to work with Margaret, and 
all of us here in the House have been truly fortunate to benefit from 
her countless good works over these years. Please join me in thanking 
our dear friend Margaret for her tireless efforts in our behalf, and in 
wishing her, Michael and Kathleen the best as Margaret changes careers 
and duty stations yet again. May Margaret always look back fondly upon 
her days with the House, as we surely will.




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