[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 135 (Friday, October 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF MARY ANNA MEYER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2012

  Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mary 
Anna Meyer, of Peoria, Illinois on her 80th birthday, which she 
celebrated on October 4, 2012. Throughout her life, Mary Anna has 
exemplified the American values of civic duty, service above self, and 
love of family, which includes her 7 children, 30 grandchildren, and 5 
great-grandchildren.
  Mary Anna has been an outstanding Peoria citizen for the past 40 
years, deeply involved in civic, church, and social causes far too 
numerous to list. She has been a leader in the Republican Party, 
serving as a delegate in the 1980 National Convention, as a precinct 
committee person for over two decades, and as a member of the Peoria 
County Republican Women. Because of her years of experience and valued 
insights, she has served as a mentor and guide to many in political 
office, promoting legislation to build strong families and protect the 
right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Her service has 
crossed party and political lines, reaching the impoverished in Peoria 
by volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity and Sacred Heart 
Church programs. On a broader level, she has served many roles for the 
Catholic Diocese of Peoria--as a member and officer of the Respect Life 
Board and Council of Catholic Women, as a Director of Religious 
Education for over 30 years, and as a leader in the Catholic Women's 
Apostolate.
  But her impact cannot be measured merely in terms of public 
leadership positions. Mary Anna has served as a role model and mentor 
to countless area citizens, working tirelessly to provide help for 
unwed mothers, counsel for troubled marriages, advice to confused 
youth, and recommendations to the Peoria City Council on many social 
issues. She takes Pride in Peoria to heart, and in turn, Peoria has 
much to be proud of in celebrating the achievements of her generous and 
selfless life. It is my honor to recognize her today, and to thank her 
for her decades of service to Central Illinois.

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