[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MARY O'RIORDAN, PARENT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION COUNTY OF SONOMA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Mary O'Riordan, who is retiring after nine years as President of the 
Parent Hospital Association (PHA) at Sonoma Developmental Center.
  Ms. O'Riordan dedicated her life to serving persons with 
developmental disabilities. As President of PSA, she was in constant 
contact with state legislators in Sacramento and federal 
representatives in Washington, DC, traveling multiple times to both 
capitals to advocate on behalf of association members. She also served 
six years on the board of directors of VOR, the national advocacy group 
for persons with developmental disabilities.
  Ms. O'Riordon's advocacy is rooted in her personal experience. 
Michael, the second of her four sons, was severally disabled and lived 
at Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) until his death in January 2011. 
It was his experiences at SDC, the place he called home, that led her 
to champion the institution, its staff and its residents.
  Ms. O'Riordon was passionate about her calling, stating, ``I look 
forward to the day when every family--those who have a developmentally 
disabled child and those who do not--are equally involved, engaged and 
concerned about the special needs of our developmentally disabled 
citizens and to the day when all legislators have their needs on the 
top of their list of priorities.''
  In addition to her advocacy on behalf of SDC, Ms. O'Riordon was the 
administrative assistant for the Deputy Chief of Administration at the 
San Francisco Fire Department for 35 years. In this capacity, she was 
honored by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for her outstanding 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, Mary O'Riordan has a long and distinguished career in 
service to others, most notably to our developmentally disabled 
population. Her tireless commitment to her community is apparent and it 
is therefore appropriate that we acknowledge her today and wish her 
well in her retirement as President of the Parent Hospital Association.

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