PRINTER'S NO. 81
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.9
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY ROTHMAN, PISCIOTTANO, FARRY, MARTIN, FONTANA,
PHILLIPS-HILL, PENNYCUICK, LAUGHLIN, COMITTA, BROWN, CULVER,
BAKER AND COSTA, JANUARY 22, 2025
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, JANUARY 22, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the 85th birthday and ongoing achievements of former
Pennsylvania First Lady and advocate Virginia "Ginny"
Thornburgh.
WHEREAS, Virginia "Ginny" Thornburgh was born January 7,
1940, in Hastings on Hudson, New York; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh earned her bachelor's degree in
Philosophy and Religion at Wheaton College; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh went on to earn her master's degree
in Education from Harvard University; and
WHEREAS, Following her education, Ms. Thornburgh taught third
grade in Lincoln, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh devoted decades of her life to
advocating for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh served as the Director of Interfaith
Initiative for the American Association of People with
disabilities, assisting people with disabilities and their
families as they sought spiritual and religious access; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh served for 19 years as the Director
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18 of Religion and Disability Program for the National Organization
on Disability in a similar role; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh served two years as Coordinator for
Programs for Persons with Disabilities at Harvard University;
and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh coauthored and edited multiple
writings, including the award-winning publication "That All May
Worship"; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh was married to the late Dick
Thornburgh, former Governor of Pennsylvania from 1979 through
1987, Attorney General of the United States and Under-Secretary-
General of the United Nations, for over 60 years; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh and her late husband are the parents
of a son with intellectual and physical disabilities who
inspired her initial advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh and her late husband received
multiple awards for their advocacy and involvement in the
disability community and she has received eleven honorary
degrees; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thornburgh has contributed greatly to the
welfare and flourishing of this Commonwealth; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate honor the 85th birthday and ongoing
achievements of former Pennsylvania First Lady and advocate,
Virginia "Ginny" Thornburgh.
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