[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING MARY BUSTILLO DONOHUE'S 80TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2005

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable 
American, a dear friend of mine, and a dedicated member of my 
congressional staff--Mary Bustillo Donohue, who turns 80-years-young on 
February 14, 2005.
  Mary has dedicated her life to her family and her community. She was 
born in Cuba to parents who valued education and citizenship. After her 
family fled a repressive government in 1933, Mary grew up in New York 
City with a strong sense of the sacrifices her parents had made in 
coming to America, and with compassion and admiration for others 
longing to be citizens of our nation. She attended Cathedral High 
School, and met the love of her life, Jerry Donohue, on their first 
date, April 19, 1942. Jerry, who had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps 
and was transferred to the Naval Reserve, served his country in World 
War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war. During a brief 
break from Jerry's training at the School of Naval Administration at 
Stanford University, Mary and Jerry were married at St. Patrick's 
Cathedral in New York City on June 18, 1946. Mary and Jerry Donohue 
moved to River Edge, New Jersey in 1952 where they were blessed with 
eight fantastic children, and later, 17 brilliant and beautiful 
grandchildren. After earning her BA and MBA degrees in Education from 
Fairleigh Dickinson University, and working on her doctorate in Spanish 
Literature at New York University, Mary embarked on a 26-year teaching 
career, including her role as the first female administrator at Paramus 
Catholic Boys High School.
  Mary's life of ``firsts'' continued. Mary and Jerry were elected by 
the parishioners of St. Peter the Apostle Church to serve on the first 
Parish Council. Mary served as Democratic Town Committeewoman for River 
Edge District 4 for over 30 years. She was twice elected River Edge 
Councilwoman, having the honor of being the first elected woman to 
serve River Edge in that capacity. In 1989, she was elected to the 
Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the first Hispanic to serve 
as a member of the County's seven-person legislative body. Mary was 
then elected by the New Jersey State Democratic Committee to serve two 
terms as a member of the Democratic National Committee, and was elected 
Chairperson of the National Hispanic Caucus of the Democratic National 
Committee during President Clinton's tenure.
  This past year, after 57 years of marriage, Mary lost the love of her 
life, her beloved husband, friend, and companion, Jerry. His passing 
has caused her much sadness. However, Mary continues to give back and 
touch the lives of the residents of Northern New Jersey. She serves on 
the New Bridge Landing Park Commission, was recently re-elected 
Democratic Committeewoman of District 4 in River Edge, teaches Spanish 
two hours a week to senior citizens at the Teaneck Senior Center, and 
assists with national, state, county, and municipal election campaigns. 
Also--and for this I am most proud and grateful-- Mary serves as a 
caseworker in my Hackensack, New Jersey office three days a week, 
specializing in immigration and citizenship services, using her vast 
knowledge, experience, multilingual gifts and compassionate heart to 
assist those people who, very much like her parents, want to become 
citizens of our great nation and provide a better life for their 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today with sincere and enduring admiration, 
fondness and great respect for my dear friend and colleague, Mary 
Bustillo Donohue and I wish her the very best as she celebrates her 
80th birthday. I know her family, friends, and coworkers will join me 
in wishing her a wonderful year ahead, filled with joy, happiness, and 
good health. She is truly an inspiration and role model for us all. 
Happy Birthday Mary!

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