Jean Biden stands with her son, Vice President Joe Biden, next to President Obama and his mother-in-law, Marian Anderson, on election night in 2008. (PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/File)
(CNN) – Vice President Joe Biden on Friday announced the death of his mother, Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Finnegan Biden. She was 92.
Biden said his mother died Friday at the family's home in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by loved ones.
"At 92, she was the center of our family and taught all of her children that family is to be treasured, loyalty is paramount and faith will guide you through the tough times. She believed in us, and because of that, we believed in ourselves," Biden said in a statement.
The vice president's father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., who was married to Jean Biden for 61 years, died in 2002.
(Vice President Biden's statement, as released by the White House, after the jump)
In his acceptance speech in August 2008 for the Democratic vice presidential nomination, Biden said of his mother: "She believes that bravery lives in every heart, and her expectation is that it will be summoned. Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable."
"As a child, I stuttered, and she lovingly would look at me and tell me, 'Joey, it's because you're so bright you can't get the thoughts out quickly enough,'" he said. "When I was not as well-dressed as the other kids, she'd look at me and say, 'Joey, oh, you're so handsome, honey, you're so handsome.'
"And when I got knocked down by guys bigger than me - and this is the God's truth - she sent me back out and said, 'Bloody their nose so you can walk down the street the next day.' And that's what I did."
In addition to the vice president, her eldest son, Jean Biden is survived by sons James Biden of Pennsylvania and Francis Biden of Florida, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Vice President
For Immediate Release
January 8, 2010
Statement from Vice President Joe Biden
“My mother, Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan Biden, passed away peacefully today at our home in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and many loved ones. At 92, she was the center of our family and taught all of her children that family is to be treasured, loyalty is paramount and faith will guide you through the tough times. She believed in us, and because of that, we believed in ourselves. Together with my father, her husband of 61 years who passed away in 2002, we learned the dignity of hard work and that you are defined by your sense of honor. Her strength, which was immeasurable, will live on in all of us.”
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From CNN Politics
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Condolences and prayers for the Bidens.
My hearlfelt sympathy to the Biden family. God Bless you.
say it ain't so joe...
my deepest sympathy and condolences to you
and your family.
she was an amazing woman, full of life, great fortitude,
raised her children to become decent, compassionate and servants for
the public good and trust.
we will miss her depth and charm, but are thrilled her legacy lives on in you and the history you are making everyday as you and the
president shape our nation for years to come.
blessing to you and yours....
condolences to Mr.biden & his family,may god be with you during this difficult time,remember, your mother is absent from the body& present with the lord.
My condolences to VP Biden and his family.
Mr. Vice President
Be Blessed.
My condolences to the Biden family for your loss.
Joe and family, Deepest sympathy. We thank her for giving DE. our favorite Senator and our country a great VP. Rest in peace Mrs.Biden.
She lived a long life - I'm sure it was good.
Sorry for your loss Joe.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bidens during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for their loss. Blessings of peace and comfort for all her loved ones.
My sympathy for the difficulty Vice President Biden and his family have to endure. Billy Joel is wrong (sometimes, the good live a long beautiful life)
my condolence to vice president Biden and family
It really warms my heart to hear Republicans putting aside politics to mourn for his loss. At least some civility remains in politics.
Condolences to Joe and the whole Biden family.
God bless her. May she rest in peace.
I pray safe passage for Mrs. Biden. Peace and blessings to the VP and the rest of the Biden family...
life is so frail,so tender,so precious.My deepest sympathy and support is going out to the V.P J.Biden !
My thoughts and prayers are with Vice-President Biden and his family; a man that truly speaks from the heart! God Bless you all!
so sorry for your lose mr. Biden . she will be greatly missed by all of america . and she was proud of you
Condolences to the Biden family.
Mr. VP, I am sorry for your loss. Its got to be tough to go through that and then come back to work just a few days later.
VP and family you are in my prayers
My God continue to bless you and keep you in this difficult time is my prayer.
My condolences to the Biden family for their loss.
May Mamma Biden rest in peace. She was a dear woman, and an absolute jewel at the Democratic National Convention. She can rest easy because her son is in good hands, with an administration that will make her proud.
nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.