[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 102 (Monday, July 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF BARBARA DONNELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of 
my longtime friend and staff member, Barbara Donnelly.
  Mr. Speaker, the first person I hired for my office when I was 
elected back in 1976 was Barbara, which was one of the best decisions I 
have made during my 35 years in Congress. From the moment I took the 
oath of office, Barbara served the people of my district with a level 
of selflessness, loyalty and dedication to helping others that is 
unrivaled. You will never meet a more reliable or meticulous staffer, 
or a more caring person than Barbara Donnelly was. She was a 
perfectionist with a heart.
  Throughout her career, Barbara touched the lives of thousands of 
residents in my district. From helping constituents with Social 
Security or veterans benefits, to assisting with immigration 
difficulties or the adoption of a child, Barbara did it all with 
compassion, discretion and determination. With Barbara at the helm of 
my constituent service program, I knew that she would not rest until 
our office had done everything possible to help people in need.
  Barbara was the definition of a public servant, giving everything to 
her job and never asking for any credit. People like Barbara are the 
unsung heroes of public service, who work day and night to help others 
and almost never see their names in the newspapers or on TV. Barbara 
did not seek glory or recognition for her work, she only sought to 
improve the lives of others.
  Mr. Speaker, there are few people like Barbara in this world. I feel 
blessed to have had the honor of knowing her and calling her my 
colleague. Over the years, I learned a lot from Barbara's example and 
it is my hope that she will inspire others to lives of public service 
and good works.
  Mr. Speaker, Barbara was an irreplaceable friend, staffer and human 
being. My condolences go out to her family, friends and all the people 
who had the privilege of knowing her and working with her. At this time 
of great sorrow, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring the life and memory of Barbara Donnelly.

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