H9262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 7, 2003 perfect movie Hollywood couple that America’s last half century, to have land Athletics and she passed away in her just loved each other and did not mind raised three wonderful sons and two sleep. expressing that love in front of every- outstanding daughters. Tommy, who I Millie O’Neill was an incredible woman who body. met at College; Susan, who was was not often recognized for the selfless work I had the opportunity for 12 consecu- my classmate and a history major with she did for Congress and our country. Mr. tive years to travel with Tip O’Neill as me at Boston College. I have known Speaker, I want to call attention to two things he was invited around the world as them my whole life. that Mrs. O’Neill was instrumental in achiev- Speaker; but I do not know whether it This is a wonderful family, and they ing. The first was a massive fundraising effort was Tip or Millie, but one thing was balanced the demands of that journey on behalf of the Ford’s Theatre Foundation, abundantly clear, that they were not against the love and attention that a raising over $4 million dollars, for which Millie Democratic trips. They were not Re- family requires. And Millie emerged was recognized at a Gala dinner in 1984. publican trips. It was traveling with from it all with her love for Tip as The second item that I believe Mrs. O’Neill Millie and Tip O’Neill, and they made strong and as deep and as transparent deserves to be recognized for was ensuring everyone feel like just one big congres- as the two schoolkids they once were. that the House of Representatives keep nor- sional family, representing this great She leaves a legacy of warmth and mal hours during her husband’s Speakership. body and representing these great companionship that will glow for the According to Tip’s autobiography, he wrote . ages. that when he became Speaker, Millie told him You always feel when you have lost Millie was pretty good at taking that she didn’t want him keeping the House in somebody that you just did not spend Tip’s favorite sayings and turning till 8 or 9 at night because she had heard con- enough time saying how much you ap- them around to her advantage. One of cerns from other Member’s wives that they preciated them while they were here, my favorites is retold in Tip’s wonder- didn’t appreciate not knowing when their hus- and I tried to tell Millie how much I ful autobiography, Man of the House. bands would be home. As a result, during the loved her, and Millie had been very Tip loved to remind people in politics majority of Speaker O’Neill’s leadership the kind to me, as had Speaker Tip O’Neill; of the priceless advice of Mrs. O’Brian, House of Representatives was a more family but I suspect that for the rest of us, a neighbor and teacher in North Cam- friendly environment and did not have the all many who never knew this wonderful bridge. She taught him the lesson that night sessions that plague our distinguished couple, that we can take time out as you should never assume someone will body today. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, Mrs. O’Neill we lost Millie to see whether we could vote for you. You have to ask, said passed in her sleep while taking a nap in be more sensitive and appreciative, not Mrs. O’Brian. So Tip writes, ‘‘Poor order to watch her beloved Red Sox play later only to our wives but to our families Millie is sick of hearing me tell the that evening. Although her passing prevented that are either with us here in Wash- Mrs. O’Brian story, and I can’t blame her from watching in person, I am sure that ington or back at home, and that some her. But during my long career in Con- she was delighted to watch the Red Sox tri- way we can go to the Members who gress, we would always go to the polls umph from the best seat in the house, next to were fortunate to serve at a time where together on election day, and before her beloved Tip. we did not dislike each other as a body, leaving the house I would say to her, Honey, I would like to ask for your Mr. Speaker, I urge of my colleagues to join we may have disagreed on war or dis- me in offering the strongest condolences to agreed on policy, disagreed on theories, vote. Tom, she would reply, I will give you every consideration.’’ the entire O’Neill family and request that to- but at the end of the day, we were just day’s Boston Globe article about her passing so proud to be Members of this House. Millie’s selfless devotion to her chil- dren and her grandchildren and her be placed in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. b 2045 support for the March of Dimes and the [From , Oct. 7, 2003] It was people like Millie who kept arts was unparalleled. All of us in Mas- MILDRED O’NEILL, 89; WIFE, ‘‘PARTNER’’ OF our families together, who kept en- sachusetts and our country feel like we POLITICAL ICON couraging our wives, who really in- have lost a pillar of public service. (By Ron DePasquale) spired a lot of our Members to want to And, oh, how she loved the trips with Mildred A. ‘‘Millie’’ O’Neill, widow and celebrated sweetheart of Thomas P. ‘‘Tip’’ be good Members of Congress and not the Rangels and the Contes and the O’Neill Jr., former speaker of the U.S. House Democratic and Republican Members Moakleys and the Michels on their of Representatives, died in her sleep yester- of Congress. journeys around the world, this incred- day in her Bethesda, Md., home, her family So I would just like to join with so ible congressional delegation, with said. many people who knew and loved each of them becoming a family mem- Her son, former Lieutenant Millie O’Neill. Not nearly as much as ber of the other family in the course of Governor Thomas P. O’Neill III of Boston, Tip did, but we always will remember all of the years that they traveled to- said Mrs. O’Neill had taken a nap, so she him singing to her and her batting eyes could catch last night’s Red Sox playoff gether. game, when she died. She was 89. as though it was a flirtatious first So for us it is a great loss, but it is Her son called her a ‘‘lovely, perfect lady’’ date. We will miss you, Millie, as we I think our country’s great, great, who enjoyed taking care of her family and miss Tip. So many of us are just so for- great honor to have had Tip and her be working for charity. His parents’ love was tunate and so lucky that if we do not the Man and the Woman of this House inspiring, he said. ‘‘They were inseparable at have them, we have their fond memo- for 10 years, providing a family-like at- a very early age and right through to the end ries. mosphere that so many Members long of their lives,’’ he said. On the dedication page of his 1987 auto- f for; that brought a joy to this place, as biography, ‘‘Man of the House,’’ Tip O’Neill almost a second home for Members TRIBUTE TO MILLIE O’NEILL referred to his wife as ‘‘The Speaker of My when they were away rather than a House. A loving wife, mother and my partner The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. place that they just saw as one in through so many triumphs and trials.’’ MURPHY). Under a previous order of the which they worked. Those days we all Anyone involved in Massachusetts politics House, the gentleman from Massachu- long for. And we thank the O’Neills for from the 1940s to the 1980s could remember setts (Mr. MARKEY) is recognized for 5 the blessings which they conferred Tip O’Neill singing the 1930s’ tune ‘‘Apple minutes. upon each of us during their lives be- Blossom Time’’ to his wife, said U.S. Rep- resentative Barney Frank of Newton. Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, Massa- cause they are amongst our fondest ‘‘Whenever you were with the two of them, chusetts will miss Millie O’Neill dear- memories. everybody was happy,’’ Frank said last ly. She and Tip were one of the great- Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep night. ‘‘They were like some couple out of est couples of the greatest generation. sadness that I pay tribute to a gem of a lady, the movies. The sense of warmth that ex- I am sure that if Tip were with us Millie O’Neill, wife of former Speaker of the isted between the two of them was just ex- today, he would say that he was the House Thomas P. ‘‘Tip’’ O’Neill, who recently traordinary.’’ luckiest man in the world to have met passed away. According to the obituary in the Born Mildred Miller in Somerville in 1914, his sweetheart Millie in high school, to she met her future husband at St. John’s Boston Globe, Millie had taken an afternoon High School in North Cambridge, where she have her willingly and joyfully join nap in order to watch her beloved Red Sox graduated in 1932. him on a journey through the highs play the fifth and deciding game of the Amer- At a 1999 Boston College ceremony hon- and the lows of national politics in ican League Division Series against the Oak- oring her husband with a permanent library

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:45 Oct 08, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07OC7.104 H07PT1 October 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9263 exhibit, Mrs. O’Neill said, ‘‘life with Tom The constituents of Massachusetts’ 8th dis- But Millie was more than merely the wife of was a wonderful experience, and I am proud trict who were represented by Tip O’Neill ben- a well-known politician. In addition to her dedi- to have shared those 50 years and see parts of efited greatly from her dedication. As the cur- cation to her children and her husband, she it displayed at this library.’’ Tip O’Neill died in 1994, ending a storied rent representative from the 8th, I regularly en- very ably served many worthwhile causes. life as one of the country’s premier politi- counter people with a story to tell about Mrs. Mrs. O’Neill was chair or a member of the cians. He retired from the House in 1986 after O’Neill’s legendary commitment to her com- boards of the March of Dimes, the Congres- 50 years in politics. His wife was a constant munity and numerous worthwhile causes. sional Wives Club, the International Club, and presence in his social and political circles. Mrs. O’Neill was also a devoted mother, So Others Might Eat. She led a $4 million In his autobiography, O’Neill wrote that raising five children and instilling in them an fundraising effort as chairwoman of the historic when he became speaker and Millie learned appreciation for public service. She was in- Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, which that other wives never knew when their hus- volved with a number of organizations, includ- earned her a prestigious Lincoln Award in bands were coming home at night, she told ing the March of Dimes, the Congressional 1984. him, ‘‘I don’t want you keeping them in the In addition, she was active in many causes House until 8 or 9 at night. And that, more Wives Club and the International Club. She or less, marked the end of evening sessions also served as Chairwoman of Ford’s Theatre back in Massachusetts, including the St. in the House.’’ in Washington, DC, receiving the Lincoln John’s Church Rebuilding Fund, and the St. Mrs. O’Neill was chair or a member of the Award in 1984 for her fundraising efforts. She Coletta’s School for Exceptional Children. boards of the March of Dimes, the Congres- was also very active in the St. John’s Church Mr. Speaker, Millie was a lovely, charming sional Wives Club, and the International Rebuilding Fund and served as President of woman who will be missed. Her warmth and Club. As chairwoman of the historic Ford’s the parish Guild of St. John’s Church—main- her sense of humor were radiant. Story has it Theatre in Washington, she was one of the that Tip, always mindful of the rule that all pol- first to receive the Lincoln Award, in rec- taining strong ties to her community. As Tip wrote in a chapter entitled Never itics is local, would make a point of asking her ognition in 1984 for spearheading a $4 million personally for her vote every election day as fund-raising drive. Forget Your Spouse, ‘‘My Millie certainly did it ‘‘Now, Mildred, you may have suspected for me. When I was off to Washington helping they left for the polls. Fitting her good nature, now and then that from time to time your run the country, she was back home running her typical response was to acknowledge the husband and I find something about which the family. When I was at my low point in poli- request by replying only, ‘‘Tom, I’ll give it we disagree,’’ President tics, she was giving me a hug and telling me every consideration.’’ quipped at the awards ceremony. ‘‘But there to go out and do my job. When I was in the During the awards ceremony at which she is one thing that we sure agree on—he’s spotlight taking the applause, she was in the was presented with the Lincoln Award, an- lucky, mighty lucky, to be the man in your other well-known American, President Ronald life. On behalf of everybody with whom you background cheering me on. I love her for it.’’ All of us from Massachusetts, but especially Reagan, noted her marriage to Tip, by remark- work, your work for this grand, old theater ing ‘‘he’s lucky, mighty lucky, to be the man in has meant so much, Millie, that we all thank those from the 8th District, will miss Mrs. you from the bottom of our hearts.’’ O’Neill greatly. Our thoughts are with her fam- your life.’’ The O’Neills lived in Cambridge until 1976, ily during this difficult time. f when Tip was named speaker and the family Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I GENERAL LEAVE moved to Washington. The city of Cambridge join with my colleagues from Massachusetts Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask dedicated the north branch of its library as this evening to remember Millie O’Neill, a the Mildred A. O’Neill Library in 1995. unanimous consent that all Members Raymond L. Flynn, former mayor of Bos- great woman from our home State and the may have 5 legislative days in which to ton, said, ‘‘She was a great friend. She was wife of the late Tip O’Neill, who passed away refresh and extend their remarks and just a remarkable mother and led a wonder- yesterday at her home. include extraneous materials on the ful life and was a great representative for Millie O’Neill was a wonderful woman; a subject of this special order on Mildred America.’’ wife, a mother and an activist involved in In addition to her son, Mrs. O’Neill leaves O’Neill. many social organizations and causes. For the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there two daughters, Rosemary of Washington and vast majority of her 89 years, she stood by Susan of Bethesda; a son, Christopher, also objection to the request of the gen- of Bethesda; a sister, Dorothy Ryan, of Tip’s side and was certainly his chief advisor tleman from Massachusetts? Marston Mills; and eight grandchildren. A on ‘‘domestic’’ matters. The two were married There was no objection. for 52 years, and during that time the navi- son, Michael, died in 1997. A funeral Mass f will be said Friday at 10 a.m. in St. John the gated the political tides of Massachusetts and Evangelist Church in Cambridge. Burial will the Capitol. They were certainly a dynamic HOUSTON’S RAIL PROJECT be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Harwichport, duo. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a where Mrs. O’Neill had long summered. Tip referred to Millie as ‘‘The Speaker of My previous order of the House, the gentle- Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to com- House. A loving wife, mother and my partner woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) memorate the life of a wonderful woman—Mil- through so many triumphs and trials.’’ She is recognized for 5 minutes. dred ‘‘Millie’’ O’Neill. After a long and illus- was a mentor, a leader and a friend, and she Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. trious life, she passed away in her sleep last will be missed. Speaker, I wish to join my colleagues night after 89 years. Mr. Speaker, much is going to be said this in offering my sympathy to the O’Neill Like so many congressional spouses, Millie evening in honor of Millie O’Neill. She is de- family for their loss. committed her life to public service alongside serving of all of it and more. But perhaps the Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share her loving husband, Tip. While her husband best testament to the quality of her life—to her some thoughts about what I believe the was the Speaker of the House, she worked to legacy—is the quality of the lives she left be- role of this House, and certainly the advance a number of important causes and hind. I’d like to extend my sympathies to role of those who are part of the peo- took leadership roles in major philanthropic Millie’s daughters, Rosemary and Susan, and ple’s House, who represent the millions groups. Her favorite charities and projects in- her sons, Tom and Kip, and to her eight of Americans across the Nation, and cluded the March of Dimes, the Congressional grandchildren, who to Millie’s credit, have un- how their roles should be one of advo- Wives Club, and the effort to restore historic doubtedly been instilled with an indelible re- cacy, assistance and empowerment. Ford’s Theater. spect for family and a desire to improve the Sometimes one might be a little less She will be missed by everyone who knew greater public good. than enthusiastic and certainly con- her. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to cerned to bring a local matter to the Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great woman and a great floor of this body, because we are here honor Mildred O’Neill, wife of the late House American, Mrs. Mildred (‘‘Millie’’) O’Neill, who to work on behalf of all of the Amer- Speaker Thomas P ‘‘Tip’’ O’Neill, who passed passed away yesterday. ican people. But as I looked at this away yesterday. Millie was the wife of our beloved House issue that has been plaguing Houston Mrs. O’Neill was a great political partner for Speaker, Tip O’Neill. On the dedication page for almost 25 years, I believe that the her husband throughout his career. She was of his autobiography, ‘‘Man of the House,’’ Tip precedent being set here is one where I Tip’s sounding board and confidant. As Tip described her as ‘‘The Speaker of My House. need to warn my colleagues and make wrote in All Politics Is Local, ‘‘Every election A loving wife, mother and my partner through them well aware of how sometimes the day as Millie and I left for the polls, I’d say, so many triumphs and trials.’’ They enjoyed 52 works of Members can be used to un- ‘Honey, I’d like to ask for your vote.’ ‘Tom,’ years of marriage together, and they had five dermine the efforts of local commu- she’d reply, ‘I’ll give you every consideration.’’’ children. nities.

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