[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 64 (Thursday, April 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF DOROTHY PETERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2015

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Dorothy 
``Dot'' Peterson as she celebrates her 100th birthday this year. It is 
my honor to join with her family and friends in marking this incredible 
milestone and wishing her many more years of health and happiness.
  Born in Brooklyn, New York on May 15, 1915, Dot was the sixth of 
eight children. Her parents, Hannah and Kristian Nilson, had immigrated 
to the United States from Norway. In 1919, their family moved to North 
Long Branch, New Jersey where Dot spent most of her childhood. She 
graduated from Long Branch High School in 1931 and earned her teaching 
degree from Newark Normal School (now Kean University) in 1935.
  In 1939, Dot married her beloved husband Harold Peterson of Monmouth 
Beach, New Jersey. Together they had 6 children and lived in Long 
Branch for 11 years before moving to Monmouth Beach in 1950. In 2005, 
Dot and Harold moved from their cherished family home to Kensington 
Court in Tinton Falls, New Jersey where Dot still resides today.
  Dot's dynamic spirit and love of life is reflected in her family. She 
is proud of her children, eleven grandchildren and 15 great-
grandchildren with which she can share her accomplished and fulfilling 
life.
  In addition to raising a beautiful family, Dot has always been an 
active member of her community, looking to improve the well-being of 
others. She taught first grade at the Broadway School in Long Branch 
for seven years and was a member of the parent-teacher associations at 
Monmouth Beach School, Long Branch High School and Shore Regional High 
School. She was also part of a group of women who helped create the 
first free-standing library in Monmouth Beach and she served as a long-
time member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Monmouth Beach. Dot continues to 
remain involved and energetic at Kensington Court, participating in art 
and exercise classes, prayer group and the Resident Board.
  Dot is also an engaged, life-long member of Asbury United Methodist 
Church in North Long Branch, where she has served as president of the 
Women's Society of Christian Service (later renamed the United 
Methodist Women) and a church trustee. She was also involved with the 
Sunday School and played in the bell choir. Family, community and 
church continue to be of utmost importance to Dot and her remarkable 
involvement is truly admirable.
  Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
honoring Mrs. Dorothy Peterson as she celebrates her 100th birthday.

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