[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H14254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JONI HERSCHEDE

  (Mrs. SCHMIDT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joni 
Herschede, a true icon of Cincinnati.
  Joni understood the Second Congressional District. You see, she grew 
up in Portsmouth in rural southern Ohio, one of eight siblings. She 
came to Cincinnati in the 1960s where she met and married Mark 
Herschede. She will always be best known for her passion and generosity 
to this community.
  Joni never forgot her humble beginnings. Whenever Joni got behind a 
cause or an issue, others always followed because they knew if you 
didn't follow, you might as well get out of the way because she would 
succeed.
  It is nearly impossible to find an organization in southern Ohio to 
which Joni did not give her time or her energy. Her son Donald said, 
``Mother wasn't happy unless she was doing something for someone 
else.''
  Her true passion was the University of Cincinnati. As an avid 
Bearcats fan, Joni's hats and outfits always proudly displayed her 
beloved red and black. But that passion went beyond just trappings of 
her clothing. It went to the philanthropy that she did for the 
University of Cincinnati as well.
  Mr. Speaker, southern Ohio and Cincinnati will always be grateful for 
the kindness that Joni showed to so many and to so many organizations, 
the arts, the zoo, education, and her beloved Bearcats.
  Joni's life should paint a path for future generations. Joni's legacy 
of public service will not be easily surpassed.
  May she rest in peace.

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