[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      IN HONOR OF CHARLENE WHEELER OF SOUTH BOSTON AND BRAINTREE, 
                             MASSACHUSETTS

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 2015

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Charlene Wheeler, in 
recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Massachusetts Bay 
Transportation Authority and to commend her for 32 years of dedicated 
service to the MBTA and the South Boston community where Charlene was 
raised.
  The daughter of Robert and Mary McGinn, natives of South Boston, MA, 
Charlene was born on May 5th, 1955 in South Boston and lived all over 
the neighborhood, from D Street to Middle Street to Dorchester St. 
until she moved to Braintree, MA with her family in 1991. Charlene 
attended the John Boyle O'Reilly School, Cardinal Cushing and South 
Boston High School, graduating in 1973.
  Prior to joining the MBTA, Charlene worked a number of jobs in her 
South Boston community including as a counselor with Jobs for Youth. 
Additionally, Charlene volunteered her time by teaching Catholic 
education at St. Brigid's School where her children attended.
  In her time with the MBTA, Charlene held a number of positions, 
starting as Track Walker and progressing to her final position as Train 
Starter for the Red Line. At times, Charlene was one of the first 
females to hold positions of authority at the ``T'' and always did so 
with the mindset of professionalism and equality. She took pride in 
each position she held at the MBTA and made endless contributions to 
the Authority.
  Mr. Speaker, Charlene is known for her caring heart, outgoing 
personality, and her dedication to family, friends and her work. 
Charlene has had the good fortune to be married to her high school 
sweetheart, Chuckie Wheeler for 35 years. They are the proud parents of 
three children and three grandchildren, with a fourth on the way.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
today to join with Charlene Wheeler's family, friends, and 
contemporaries to thank her for 32 years of remarkable service to the 
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the communities of South 
Boston and Braintree in which she lived and worked.

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