[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING LADY BETTY GRIFFITHS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2010

  Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Lady Betty 
Griffiths, a resident of Laguna Niguel, California, who recently passed 
away.
  Lady Betty was the daughter of a Dutch farmer who supplied essential 
agricultural products to Great Britain during the German blockade. She 
loved farm life, especially riding horses. She worked for the BBC in 
London. While living in England, Lady Betty was Director of the U.K. 
chapter of the Special Olympics, which brought her to many regions of 
the United States as she helped give these athletes tremendous 
opportunities.
  Lady Betty later came to the United States for good, with her 
husband, Sir Eldon Griffiths, a former long-serving member of the 
British Parliament. Like him, Lady Betty greatly admired America. She 
loved California's natural beauty and vibrant people. Soon after 
settling in her new home, she began her many successful efforts to link 
the Netherlands and Great Britain with Orange County, California.
  An outstanding organizer and promoter of Orange County's World 
Affairs Council programs, Lady Betty was a most distinguished hostess 
to numerous Asian, European and Middle Eastern diplomats during their 
visits to southern California. Lady Betty brought her Old World charm 
to the Council, and people enjoyed that. Working with Sir Eldon, she 
made the Council thrive, helping educate many of us on a wide range of 
critical world issues.
  Lady Betty was active in civic life in Orange County and became an 
American citizen in 1998. She brought the best of Holland and England 
to California, and for that we are thankful and today give her a well-
deserved recognition for her rich community life. Lady Betty will be 
missed by her many, many friends in Orange County and far beyond.

                          ____________________