[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 138 (Wednesday, September 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         HONORING SUZIE PUSKAS

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 1994

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipient of the 
1994 Golden Door Award, Mrs. Suzie Puskas. Mrs. Puskas will receive the 
award at the annual dinner meeting of the International Institute of 
Flint on Tuesday, October 11.
  The International Institute of Flint presents this award annually to 
a foreign-born citizen who has substantially improved life in the Flint 
community. Suzie Puskas's service to newly arrived immigrants in Flint 
has spanned the last seven decades. She is an unwavering pillar of the 
International Institute's commitment to serving those who come to the 
United States seeking a better life.
  Born in Hungary on February 16, 1895, Suzie emigrated to the United 
States in 1914. She worked in New York as a live-in maid during her 
first years in the United States. She was all alone in this country and 
corresponded with Andrew Puskas during World War I. Andrew was a U.S. 
soldier serving overseas. The couple married after the war and moved to 
Flint in 1919. They opened a grocery store in the St. John Street 
community serving the new immigrants. In 1923 Suzie met Beatrice Baker, 
the Institute's first executive secretary. Mrs. Baker asked Suzie to 
become a volunteer board member with the Institute. It was the 
beginning of a relationship that has lasted through the years.
  Suzie Puskas has served where she was needed most. In addition to 
serving on the International Institute's board, she counseled new 
arrivals, taught English, located jobs, provided shelter and basic life 
necessities. She translated letters from soldiers to their families 
during World War II. She assisted war brides writing to their husbands. 
She worked as a volunteer for the American Red Cross during this time. 
During the influx of refugees from Hungary in the 1950's, Suzie 
coordinated efforts to settle them in the community. She is known 
affectionately by the nickname of Aunt Suzie among those she aided.
  The same strength of spirit that motivated this lifetime of caring 
for others also inspired Suzie as she raised two children, Edward and 
Susan, and has witnessed the birth of her nine grandchildren. Her 
husband died in 1968.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I ask the U.S. Congress to 
rise with me today to applaud a truly great American, Suzie Puskas. Her 
humility and selfless devotion to service is an inspiration to all.

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