[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6750]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 6750]]


                        HONORING MARY BIANCHINI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to call to the attention of our 
colleagues one of the most remarkable residents of my Congressional 
District and, in fact, of our nation.
  Mary Bianchini is turning 92 years young this month, and her friends, 
family, and numerous admirers are coming together not only to honor her 
but also to initiate a scholarship fund in her name. Mary has devoted 
so many years of service to others--as a nurse, as a media personality, 
and as a linchpin in numerous charitable concerns--that it is only 
appropriate that we return some of our love to her which she has 
showered upon us all these many years.
  A cover story in the January-February 1987 issue of ``Geriatric 
Nursing'' recounted how Mary emigrated to the United States from Italy 
with her family at a young age. In 1929, she married the man her 
parents has chosen for her but before long that union found a firm 
foundation in love. In fact, Mary remained married to the same man 
until his untimely death in the late 1950s, nearly thirty years after 
their nuptials.
  Mary had planned to become a sterling housewife and mother, but as 
happened with all too many Americans at that time, the Great Depression 
threw a monkey wrench into her plans. Forced to find employment in a 
shoe factory, Mary had to seek new employment when that establishment 
burned down and she applied to become a telephone operator at the 
Rockland State Hospital. Mary was told there were no vacancies, but 
would be hired if she would help out in patient care. From that 
experience on, Mary was hooked on helping others.
  Mary demonstrated a natural skill at caring for the ill. She became a 
licensed practical nurse in 1938, and soon earned a reputation 
statewide for her compassion and skill, as well as her common sense.
  Mary served as an officer in the New York State Practical Nurses 
Association from 1948 until 1962. In these positions, her reputation as 
a feisty defender of the underdog was assured.
  In the 1960's, Mary began a completely new career as host of her own 
radio, and cable television, programs. Soon, the movers and shakers in 
all aspects of society were seeking to be interviewed by this 
remarkable woman, not quite five feet high. Her insight broadcast 
interviews continued until well in the 1980s.
  Mary Bianchini was the American Heart Association ``Queen of Hearts'' 
in 1985, was cited by Governor Mario Cuomo for service to our state, 
and was a strong supporter of my Congressional Citizens Advisory 
Committee on Drugs.
  Perhaps Mary's greatest pride in her own family. Her son Dr. 
Valentino Bianchini is a respected member of the medical profession who 
has raised his own family following Mary's guidelines to life. She is 
also proud of her large, loving family.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join with us in saluting this 
wonderful woman on the occasion of her 92nd birthday, with wishes for 
many many more, as well as our profoundest hopes that we will be able 
to join her in celebrating many birthdays to come.

                          ____________________