[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 16 (Friday, January 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MARGARET O. GRIFFIN

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 30, 2015

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, a life filled with civic engagement enriches 
the soul and has the ability to raise entire communities. Such has been 
the case with Margaret O. Griffin, better known to her friends and 
family as Ollie, whose dedication to the St. Joseph's Medical Center 
and beyond has had a profound and lasting impact in Yonkers and the 
surrounding areas.
  Ollie was born in Yonkers and attended St. Denis Grammar School, then 
Sacred Heart High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree 
from Marquette University and upon graduation began working as a 
research aide at Sloan-Kettering Institute in Rye. After working for 
the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ollie returned to 
school for a Master of Science degree followed by a Ph.D. in Biology 
from Fordham University.
  In 1994, Ollie retired from research and teaching which allowed her 
to increase her involvement in community affairs. She served on the 
boards of Fox House and the Ireland Fund and was a trustee of the 
Woman's Institute for many years. Ollie was also a long-time member of 
the Saint Joseph's Seminary Festival Chorale, which she was privileged 
to sing with at the Pallium ceremony in Rome.
  Ollie continues to be an active member in several other community 
clubs, including the Morsemere Garden Club, the Bonita Quilters, the 
Pelican Patchers and the Pelican Landing Singers. The highlight of 
Ollie's community service though has been her work at St. Joseph's, 
which began in 1993 as a trustee. She has served as an active and 
enthusiastic member until September of 2014 and made many great 
contributions to the center's development and success.
  Ollie's other great passion has been her three children, Colleen, 
Daniel, and Katherine, who she raised with her beloved husband, 
William, to whom she was married for 52 years. She also takes great 
pride in her six grandchildren, Shannon, William, Jack, Michael, Sean, 
and Brian.
  St. Joseph's Medical Center honored Ollie with the 2014 Outstanding 
Service Award, and a more fitting honoree they could not have found. 
Congratulations to Ollie on receiving this wonderful honor.

                          ____________________