[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 191 (Monday, November 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF MARGARET ANGELL SHIELDS VOLNEY

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                          HON. GEORGE HOLDING

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 9, 2020

  Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take pause and reflect on 
the life of Margaret Angell Shields Volney.
  Madam Speaker, Margaret Angell Shields Volney was a proud graduate of 
East Carolina Teachers College where she received her BS degree in Home 
Economics. Her education gave her the foundation for a life filled with 
creativity and gourmet meals as she became a party planner 
extraordinaire with a driven desire to learn and explore new things.
  Margaret was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where she 
volunteered her decorating talents for various church and school 
fundraising events. And she was a passionate member of The Old Saint 
Paul Preservation Guild, working towards preserving our oldest Catholic 
Church in North Carolina--a place where all of her family members had 
been baptized, married, and buried.
  Madam Speaker, Margaret actively pursued the preservation of the 
Judge Gaston House, where the first recorded NC Catholic Mass was held 
in 1821. In 1959, on Tryon Palace's opening day, Margaret was among the 
first docents under the guidance of Miss Gertrude Carraway. Margaret 
was an active Scout leader for many years; a founding member of the 
Trent Woods Garden Club; a Master Gardener; a member New Bern Golf & 
Country Club; and Trent River Artist Association. In 1978, Margaret and 
her daughter opened `Balloons Galore,' an ever-evolving place to shop 
especially during the holiday seasons. Whether it was a special 
decorating event, or a bouquet of balloons delivered by 'Big Bird,' 
Margaret brought smiles and memories for over 32 successful years in 
business.
  Sadly, Margaret Angell Shields Volney died peacefully surrounded by 
family and friends earlier this year on January 15, 2020. She was 93 
years old.

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