Vice President's mother dies at 92
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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She was one of the highlights for me watching the convention. You could tell she was a tough lady with a sweet heart,
Heart felt sympathies to the Biden family. Peace be with all of you.
My condolences to the Biden family.
It is always hard to lose a parent, but take comfort in knowing she lived to be 92 and had a full life, with all the ups, downs, and joys.
Oh Mary..... sorry to hear that.
RIP to your dad and Mrs Biden.
God bless.
CF, I'm a republican.
I don't agree with Joe Biden's politics, but the man's mother DIED! So politics are set aside so condolences can be given.
God Bless Her.
My condolensences to Vice President Biden. Your mother must have been a wonderful woman to have raised such humble and family oriented man. May God bring you peace!
My condolences goes out to the Bidens at this time of sorrow... May Catherine RIP!!
You're doing her proud, Joe!
My condolences to Vice President Joe Biden, his family and all those who knew his mother. God bless her soul.
our sincere sympathy to the biden's family
My condolences to the Biden family for their loss.
May you be guided by the angels towards Heaven,Rest in peace.
Thank you Mother Biden for our current VP. May you rest in peace.
To the family, I am praying for you all.
Very sorry to hear this. If it's any consolation, at least she was able to see her son sworn in as Vice-President of the United States. Condolences to the Biden family.
May the angels guide you towards your trip to Heaven.Rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to Joe Biden. Words can not express how shocked I was when I heard the sad news. Even though I did not know Jean personally, I know that she is now an angel and that her soul is at peace. I will keep Joe in my prayers and I pray that he is comforted with the fact that his mother's soul is in heaven.
Be blessed as you are going through this time of sorrow.
My heart goes out to Joe....To most people, loss of "Mom" is just about the hardest knock of all. My mother was the dearest person I ever knew and we had her "till she was 96 yrs. We live on with memories Joe. Bless you.
Best Wishes to the Biden family. Mrs. Biden had a wonderful long life.
I'm so sorry to you and your family Vice President Biden. Just think of how so very proud she is of what you and your family have done! My condolences go out to you at this time.
God Bless the Biden family. Praise God for the wonderful blessing Jean Biden was to her family and our current Vice President.
She's a good Human and HER sense of humor was inmeasurable.
MAY HER SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE"AMEN"She will be missed..
my thoughts and prayers are with the Biden family. I lost my Mom this past July at 96. Be strong and know that she is watching you from a much better place.
My deepest sympathies and thoughts go out to the Biden family. I'm very sorry for their loss and know personally how difficult the loss of a parent is. Mrs. Biden sounds like she lived a wonderful, long life.