[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1715]]


               CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BIRDELLA STORMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2004

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the 
life of Birdella Storment, known as ``Birdie'' to those of us who knew 
and respected her.
  ``Birdie'' was born on April 22, 1912 in Weston, Illinois, the 
daughter of Edgar and Kathryn. She married Eugene Lester Storment on 
December 25, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois.
  Birdie's life consisted of her love of family, friends, her church, 
and her country. She was an active member of the New Bethel 
Presbyterian Church and chaired the Presbyterian Women's Club.
  She was a lifelong member of the Republican Party, a precinct 
committeeman in Stevenson Township for more than 50 years, a county 
chairwoman, and the President of the Salem Women's Republican Club.
  Her civic contributions were secondary only to her devotion to her 
family. She and Eugene were the parents of Nita Rae Wadley and Larry 
Storment. They have seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and 
five great-great grandchildren.
  At her passing on September 9 of this year, Birdie was recognized as 
one of the people who helped to pioneer the involvement of women in 
today's political arena. More important though, she was recognized as a 
beloved mother, grandmother and friend to all who had the privilege to 
know her.
  My condolences go to her family and friends. May God bless Birdie and 
Eugene and may God continue to bless this country that they loved so 
much.

                          ____________________