[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 25]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 34112-34113]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF BLYTHE ANN O'SULLIVAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2007

  Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I am saddened to rise today to honor the 
life and service of an exceptional young Peace Corps Volunteer Blythe 
Ann O'Sullivan of Bloomingdale, Illinois. On December 6, 2007, Blythe 
passed away while serving the people of the Republic of Suriname in 
South America.
  After graduating from Bradley University, she decided to join the 
Peace Corps.
  Blythe was sworn in as a Volunteer on August 3, 2006, after 4 months 
of intensive training. Leaving her loved ones and comfortable life in 
the United States behind, Blythe bravely took on the challenge of 
sharing her knowledge and expertise with the Brokopondo people.

[[Page 34113]]

  As a small business and community development advisor, Blythe 
dedicated herself to improving the operations of a local water project 
and building a community center for the women in the village where she 
was staying.
  While serving in Suriname, Blythe recognized how extraordinarily 
blessed we are in the United States, saying ``I am so humbled by the 
challenges the Suriname villagers must conquer day after day. Here, 
each waking moment must be spent satisfying basic needs.'' Blythe's 
dedication to improving the lives of others is an example for us all.
  Blythe's ready smile, compassionate care for the people of Suriname 
and efforts to bring them hope have affected countless lives. Blythe's 
efforts will forever be a tribute to her life and service.
  Madam Speaker, I wish to offer my deepest sympathies to Blythe's 
parents, John and Joan, and the entire O'Sullivan family. They are in 
my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
  Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in 
mourning the loss of an extraordinary young woman, Blythe Ann 
O'Sullivan.

                          ____________________