[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING OLIVIA PATRICIA THOMAS, THE OLDEST LIVING NATURAL BORN U.S. 
                                CITIZEN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN LEE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2009

  Mr. LEE of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Williamsville, New York resident Olivia Patricia Thomas, who recently 
became the oldest living natural born United States citizen.
  Born on June 29, 1895, Olivia, or Pat as she prefers to be called, 
recently celebrated her 114th birthday with family and friends. 
Originally from Iowa, Pat met her late husband Frederick in grade 
school in 1923, and the couple then moved to Buffalo in 1946 when 
Frederick began teaching engineering at the University at Buffalo.
  Described as a ``social butterfly'' by friends, Pat can often be seen 
moving to the beat of music in group activities classes at St. Francis 
Home, where she has lived for the last few years.
  An avid plant lover, Pat is affectionately referred to as ``the plant 
lady'' by her former neighbors for her love of foliage and always 
keeping a beautiful garden at her previous home, where she lived by 
herself until she was 109 years of age.
  Pat is a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all.
  Madam Speaker, in recognition of her incredible achievement, I ask 
that this Honorable Body join me in honoring Olivia Patricia Thomas.

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