[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          HONORING VERNA MOORE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Verna Moore, a true 
inspiration from my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Verna will be turning 
one hundred years old on October 16, 2010 and plans to celebrate her 
birthday by spending time with her family. Throughout her life, Verna 
has inspired others with her positive attitude, warm personality, love 
of music, and active lifestyle.
  Verna was born on October 16, 1910 to John and Elizabeth Troker, 
owners of a coal mine in Peoria. She was the youngest of eight children 
and was always very close with her sisters, brothers, and cousins. 
Verna has been a resident of Peoria, Illinois her entire life. From a 
young age, Verna was always filled with love and possessed a giving 
soul. Under her father's influence, she was raised Catholic and it was 
from a nun in their church that she first learned to play the piano. 
She began lessons at a young age and immediately loved the instrument.
  Verna graduated the eighth grade from Lucy E. Tyng Middle School and 
began working in a warehouse. Her life changed when she first met her 
husband, Carthy Moore, near a pond at Glen Oak Park. They were 
immediately drawn to each other and married in 1936. Their marriage was 
built on love and stability, lasting nearly forty years until her 
husband passed away in 1974. The couple built their house from the 
ground up and Verna has lived in that same home ever since. Carthy made 
a living as a foreman at the Keystone Steel and Wire Factory in 
Martinsville, Illinois. Verna supported Carthy as a homemaker and 
mother. Her first and only child, William Moore, was born January 16, 
1941. William fondly remembers his mother's wonderful baking and 
cooking, and the great care she always gave to him when he was sick as 
a child.
  As she grew older, Verna took interest in a Mennonite church down the 
road from her Peoria home. She soon began attending the church and 
later played piano during the services. She continued to play hymns for 
the church services up until just a few years ago. To this day she 
continues to stay active. Today she not only is a mother, but a 
grandmother, a great grandmother, and a great-great grandmother. Her 
love has affected the entire community. Through her vibrant spirit she 
continues to inspire others, especially at the age of 100 years old.
  In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I wish to whole-heartedly congratulate 
Verna Moore on reaching the immense milestone of 100 years of age. I 
hope that every American can learn the important lesson of staying 
healthy and fit in both mind and body while maintaining a loving heart 
such as Verna's.

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