[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING DR. LOUISE R. D'OLIVEIRA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 2003

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Doctor Louise R. 
D'Oliveira, a talented and caring constituent of mine who recently 
passed away.
  Dr. D'Oliveira, a native of Louisiana who came to the United States 
from South Africa in 1980, was an ordained Methodist minister and 
devoted her life to helping those less fortunate than herself. She 
directed the Women's Christian Center in Tampa and was an advisory 
board member of Everybody's Tabernacle-Homeless Emergency Project in 
Clearwater. This organization helps hungry and homeless individuals who 
have nowhere else to turn in their greatest times of need.
  Louise also was considered one of the world's foremost adult literacy 
experts. She chaired the African Division of Laubach Literacy and also 
founded and directed Operation Upgrade South Africa, programs which 
helped untold numbers of adults worldwide learn to read. She also 
authored several books about Africa and her native Louisiana. In 
addition, she was an Army veteran of World War II.
  Mr. Speaker, the world lost a wonderful woman and dedicated advocate 
for learning when Louise D'Oliveira's earthly life ended. However, I am 
certain that, wherever she is today, she is sharing her wisdom and 
knowledge with whomever she encounters.

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