[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 15, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S7553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING LORRAINE PERONA ROONEY

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, it is with the heaviest of hearts that 
I rise to remember a dear friend and committed public servant, Lorraine 
Perona Rooney, who passed away early this morning. I am deeply saddened 
by Lorraine's death and will keep her friends and family in my thoughts 
and prayers during this difficult time.
  Lorraine, who served the U.S. Senate for over 27 years, was one of a 
small group of staff members I assembled to assist me when I first took 
office as a U.S. Senator from the State of Connecticut on January 3, 
1989. I was tremendously fortunate to have a person of Lorraine's 
extensive knowledge and years of Senate staff experience to set up my 
office. She did a wonderful job and kept my office running smoothly for 
more than 15 years--as office manager and financial director--and did 
so with style and grace. Many staff members and interns passed through 
my office during her tenure, and all benefitted from Lorraine's caring 
guidance, common sense, and expertise. Those who worked with her recall 
her willingness to go the extra mile to help her coworkers. One member 
of my staff remembers that Lorraine worked to secure her a parking 
space closer to the office so that she wouldn't have very far to walk 
to get to her car after dark.
  After graduating from American University with a degree in 
international relations, Lorraine subsequently worked at Dartmouth 
College in charge of foreign study programs. Through a contact there, 
she learned of an opening in the office of Senator John Durkin, 
Democrat from New Hampshire, and thus began her Senate career in March 
1977. Following her work in Senator Durkin's office, Lorraine built her 
career in the Senate setting up offices for newly elected Members, 
including Senator Carl Levin, Democrat from Michigan, in 1979, Senator 
Frank Lautenberg, Democrat from New Jersey, in 1982, and, of course, 
myself in 1989. Throughout her time with the Senate, Lorraine 
demonstrated an expertise in creating attractive, functional and 
comfortable work spaces, not an easy task given our limited space and 
resources then.
  During Lorraine's last few years at my office, she was faced with 
many serious health problems. Despite her suffering and hardship, she 
continued to do her utmost in service to me and the citizens of 
Connecticut. The courage she demonstrated as she faced these personal 
challenges served as an inspiration for me and my staff.
  Those of us who were lucky enough to know Lorraine could not help but 
be touched by her kindness and warmth. She formed many lasting 
friendships in the Senate community; she often spoke of the Senate as 
``home.'' She was widely respected and beloved among her Senate 
colleagues for her character, judgment, and professionalism. It is no 
wonder that after her retirement she continued to stay in touch with so 
many with whom she had worked.
  Lorraine was a dedicated public servant who enriched this 
institution. I extend my deepest condolences to Lorraine's husband 
Bernie Rooney and daughter Shannon for their irreplaceable loss.
  Mr. President, we honor Lorraine Perona's memory and we cherish her 
decency and her friendship.

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