[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE 85TH BIRTHDAY OF HELEN COLLINS FOOTE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2005

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hoyer and I rise today to honor Helen 
Foote, a woman of faith, family, a selfless spirit and infectious 
laughter.
  Ms. Foote was born to the late Reverend Benjamin Collins and 
Henrietta Collins in South River, Maryland. One of eight children, 
Helen received her education in a one-room school and spent her free 
time like most children, fishing, hunting and picking apples from the 
trees in a nearby orchard. On Sundays, Helen and her cousins spent time 
learning the art of playing the piano. It was here, during those 
lessons, her already well-known laughter earned her the nickname 
``KeeKee'' embodying the sound of her continuous and infectious laugh.
  As she grew up, Ms. Foote developed a reputation for spreading joy 
both through her laugh and through her altruistic nature. Whether 
helping wallpaper her parent's bedroom, caring for her ailing mother or 
donating her time to her church, Helen Foote was the very model of 
selfless dedication. In fact, her benevolence eventually led Hope 
Memorial St. Mark United Methodist Church to name her Mother of the 
Year in 2004. And as a mother of five daughters, one stepdaughter, 10 
grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 6 step-
great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, that award was well-
earned.
  The daughter of a Reverend, religion always remained a pivotal aspect 
of Ms. Foote's family life. At a young age she attended Chews United 
Methodist Church in Owensville, Maryland. In her later years she became 
a member of Hope Chapel now referred to as Hope Memorial St. Mark 
United Methodist Church. It was here Ms. Foote served as a Communion 
Steward, an Usher and a member of the United Methodist Women.
  Today you can still find Ms. Foote doing the things she loves best: 
working in her yard, cooking meals for her family, rooting for her 
beloved Baltimore Orioles, and, occasionally, wallpapering a bedroom.
  Helen Foote is truly a blessing to all she encounters. She is an 
inspiration, a foundation for the young and dedicated, and a 
distinguished and divine family woman. Helen Foote is truly a woman of 
strength and I am honored to rise today and honor her in this Congress.

                          ____________________