[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 34 (Monday, March 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDRA APOSTOLIDES SONENFELD

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                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 17, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the recent passing of Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld, a role 
model and inspiration to many throughout California. Alexandra died in 
her sleep in San Francisco on July 26, 1996, just 10 days shy of her 
100th birthday.
  Alexandra Sonenfeld was born on August 6, 1896, in Sokraki on the 
Island of Corfu, Greece. One of nine children of Father Mandilla, a 
priest, and Barbara Chondroyianis, a schoolteacher, Alexandra 
accompanied her father on a trip to the United States when she was 10 
years old. She remained in the United States until her recent passing, 
never rejoining her family in Sokraki.
  Alexandra married Dr. Emmanuel Apostolides at the age of 20 and 
together they settled in San Francisco and raised three children--
Alexander, Zoe, and Kleo. Her first husband passed away and she later 
married her second husband, Howard Sonenfeld.
  In 1929, Alexandra Sonenfeld opened her home to wives of the members 
of the Order of AHEPA in San Francisco to discuss the formation of a 
women's auxiliary. Shortly thereafter, the first chapter of the 
Daughters of Penelope was established. In 1931, the Daughters of 
Penelope was chartered and incorporated in the State of California as a 
nonprofit organization. In the decade that followed, Alexandra 
Sonenfeld devoted her time to the development and expansion of this 
organization across the United States as well as the formulation of 
bylaws and a constitution. In 1939, she was elected the first grand 
president of the Daughters of Penelope. Over the years, this worthy 
organization has grown to its current 390 chapters throughout the 
United States and Canada, including 4 chapters in Greece.
  Mr. Speaker, words do not begin to convey the love and admiration 
with which Alexandra Sonenfeld was held by her family, friends, and 
supporters. Her life journey stands as a remarkable testament to faith 
and hope and her memory will continue to inspire countless people. It 
is only appropriate that the House pay tribute to this courageous woman 
today.

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