Joe Biden's Mother Dies

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: White House

(AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Vice President Joe Biden just released a statement saying that his mother, Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Finnegan Biden, has died at the age of 92.

Jean Biden "passed away peacefully today at our home in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and many loved ones," Biden wrote.

"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," continued the vice president. "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."

On Thursday, Biden left Washington to be with his mother in his hometown of Wilmington amid reports that she had fallen seriously ill.

Details on funeral services will be announced in the coming days. The White House obituary for Jean Biden is below.

Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Finnegan Biden was born on July 17, 1917, the daughter of the late Ambrose J. Finnegan and the former Geraldine C. Blewitt of Scranton, Pennsylvania. In 1941, she married Joseph Robinette Biden. They were married for 61 years before Mr. Biden passed away in 2002.

Mrs. Biden is survived by her eldest son, Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., his wife Jill Jacobs Biden and their three children, Joseph R. Biden, III, of Wilmington, Delaware, his wife Hallie Olivere Biden and their children, Natalie Paige Biden and Robert Hunter Biden, II; R. Hunter Biden of Washington, D.C., his wife Kathleen Buhle Biden and their children, Naomi King Biden, Finnegan James Biden and Roberta Mabel Biden; and Ashley Blazer Biden of Wilmington, Delaware; and by her daughter, Valerie Biden Owens of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, her husband John T. Owens and their children Valerie James Owens, Cuffe Biden Owens and Catherine Eugenia Owens; and by her two younger sons, James Brian Biden of Merion Station, Pennsylvania, his wife Sara Jones Biden and their children, James Brian Biden, Jr., Caroline Nicole Biden and Nicholas Coleman Biden; and Francis W. Biden of Florida and his daughter, Alana Jaquet Biden.

Details on services for Mrs. Biden, 92, will be available in the coming days. On behalf of the Biden family, Valerie Biden Owens has requested that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Mrs. Biden do so to a hospice, the Ministry of Caring in Wilmington, Delaware, or the Naomi Christina Biden Minority Scholarship Fund at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by kathysass January 9, 2010 1:14 AM EST: Just this Monday, 1/4/10 my very close, loving uncle who I took care of for many years suddenly passed away at the age of 93! His birthday was on New Year's eve day. With the news of his passing, I was shattered from within. A Catholic Mass and Full Military service was yesterday and I was presented with the American Flag as his survivor. I am so honored. We are Polish Catholic. Very close to being Irish Catholic. VP Biden, your strong faith instilled by your mother will get you through this time as my faith did. You will also feel the power of prayers for strength from others. Your mother's passing will seem overwhelming at first, but those prayers and your faith will get you through this next week and beyond. You are in my prayers. God Bless. Kathy Sass from Michigan City, Indiana.; Reply to this comment


by Bugaleena4 January 8, 2010 11:35 PM EST: The honor and integrity Mrs. Biden instilled in her family is very prominent. She was obviously a real "class act", and a very wise and loving matriarch.
Condolences from our family to yours. I am sure her spirit lives on and her love will continue to surround you. RIP Mrs. Biden.; Reply to this comment


by ladyang January 8, 2010 8:42 PM EST: Mr Vice President,
I love and support you and I'm sorry for your loss.

Stay strong for DE; Reply to this comment


by rightbehind January 8, 2010 8:16 PM EST: Sorry for your lose. Condolences Vice President Biden.; Reply to this comment


by libftw January 8, 2010 7:37 PM EST: My heart goes out to the Bidens as well, Mothers are hard to lose at any age, trust me.; Reply to this comment


by proudmilvet January 8, 2010 7:36 PM EST: She certainly seemed to be a very sweet & classy Lady. I lost my Mom almost 17 years ago, she was only 69 years old. No matter what age they are when you lose them, you can never replace your Mom. Sympathy & best wishes to the Vice-President & his family.; Reply to this comment


by myopinionpal January 8, 2010 7:06 PM EST: Mother Biden RIP.; Reply to this comment


by PR_in_Alabama January 8, 2010 7:04 PM EST: RIP; Reply to this comment


by democracy1 January 8, 2010 6:45 PM EST: As someone who very recently lost both parents, I can truly sympathize. Condolences.; Reply to this comment


by Brokennews January 8, 2010 5:55 PM EST: I remember her from DNC convention.
She seemed like a real spirited old gal.
Best regards to the Biden family.; Reply to this comment