[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 139 (Thursday, October 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DOROTHY MARION PETE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 27, 2005

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of 
Dorothy Marion Pete of Oakland, California. Dorothy was a beloved 
mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, and 
leader in our community. She passed away on October 10, 2005 at her 
home in Oakland at the age of 91.
  A longtime East Bay Area resident, Dorothy was known throughout her 
life for her devotion to her family, her church, and her community. She 
was born in Berkeley, California on February 28, 1914 as the ninth of 
thirteen children to Virginia (Jennie) Parker and Thomas Reid, Sr. 
After graduating from Berkeley High School, she worked as the office 
secretary at the then segregated West Oakland Linden Street Branch of 
the YWCA. She later integrated the downtown Oakland YWCA, serving first 
as a stenographer before becoming the administrative assistant to 
Executive Director Helen Grant.
  In addition to the changes she affected at the local YWCA, Dorothy 
had an immense impact on the local faith community by integrating the 
staff of the Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland. An active 
member, Dorothy also taught Sunday school and served as president of 
the American Baptist Women's Group.
  Dorothy's bright and giving spirit shaped her actions not only in the 
context of these institutions, but in every aspect of her life. She was 
known by all for her boundless generosity toward those who were close 
to her and also toward those she was meeting for the first time. 
Dorothy was especially committed to providing aid and comfort to those 
in need, initiating many food drives at her church and giving away 
blankets, quilts and dolls that she created by hand or with her sewing 
machine.
  A bright light to many, Dorothy's role was especially profound in the 
lives of her loved ones. She was happily married for many years to her 
husband Herman Rideau Pete, who hailed originally from Crowley, 
Louisiana but spent most of his life in the Bay Area. Though sadly 
Herman preceded her in death, he and Dorothy spent many happy years 
together and raised three sons, Gregory, Dennis, and Geoffrey, who is a 
business owner and community activist in Oakland. Her guidance and 
unconditional support has given them the strength they have needed to 
confront and conquer life's challenges, and will continue to sustain 
them as they, along with their families, continue to celebrate her life 
in the years to come.
  Dorothy's family and friends have come together during this time to 
honor, remember and cherish not only her life, but the way that she 
touched the lives of so many others. On behalf of the California's 9th 
U.S. Congressional District, I am proud to add my voice to the 
countless others who have united in thanks, appreciation, and joy to 
remember this very special woman and wonderful friend, Mrs. Dorothy 
Marion Pete.

                          ____________________