[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E931-E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF CAROLINE OTTEN SHEA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tragically 
abbreviated life of an extraordinary woman, Caroline Otten Shea, who 
passed on May 11, 2012, at the age of 63. She was a loving wife, a 
devoted mother, a doting grandmother, a beloved sister, a teacher, and 
a community leader. She will be missed by every person who had the good 
fortune to know her, and I count myself among those so blessed.
  Caroline Shea, a fourth generation San Franciscan, was raised on 
Potrero Hill and attended St. Theresa's Elementary School and 
Presentation High School. Caroline was a stalwart in her Millbrae 
community. Her door was always open to the children she loved so much 
and to so many others who were made to feel that her home was their 
own. Caroline was named Millbrae's Woman of the Year in 2004; served on 
the Millbrae School Board since 1993; was President of the Mills 
Booster Club; and the Mills PTA. She also served on the Board of the 
Meadows Swim Club where she spent her summers. She loved spending time 
at the beach with her family. She also served capably as Banquet 
Manager at Kokkari Estiatorio in San Francisco.
  Her family wrote of Caroline ``She was our diamond; the strongest and 
brightest rock in every situation, making sure everything went smoothly 
for those around her.'' This captures Caroline, and it is an eloquent 
statement about the loving, caring, selfless woman she was. Caroline 
said, ``Remember, whether you are a teacher, secretary custodial staff, 
instructional aide, anyone who works with children--you do make a 
difference.''
  Caroline is survived by her loving husband James, her children Tracy 
Montserrat (Paul), Kevin (Christie), and Brian. Caroline lost her 
beloved daughter Kelly Gallo 8 years ago, and in her honor established 
the Kelly Shea Gallo Foundation. Caroline is survived by her adored 
grandchildren Mia, Chloe, Alyssa, Thomas, Claire and Kiley. She will be 
sorely missed by her sister Judy (George) and brother Pete. She also 
leaves nieces Jennifer, Mary Jane, Demetra, and Alexandria and nephews 
John and Mike.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our most 
sincere sympathy to Caroline Shea's entire family and to the many who 
were part of her large Millbrae community of friends. Caroline Otten 
Shea's life was one of an exceptional citizen. As she strengthened her 
community in countless ways, she strengthened our country as well.

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