[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E4]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF THELMA GAMMELL ON HER 102ND BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor a wonderful person and a great American, on her 102nd birthday--
Thelma Gammell.
  Thelma is a joy to know. Perky, humorous, and filled with the spirit 
of life. She was born in Miller, South Dakota, and on October 9, 1895. 
Life was very different then. The United States, itself, was just over 
100 years old. Her ancestors had migrated from Wales in 1776, during 
the Revolutionary War.
  Life was very difficult and often hard. Thelma, however, grew up in a 
family that had good values. They worked hard and they lived the best 
they could with what they had. Her childhood was filled with horseback 
riding, dolls and ``kitten playmates.'' The winters on the prairie were 
long and cold, but Thelma enjoyed playing in the snowdrifts with her 
sister.
  In 1912 Thelma met with her husband, John Gammell. They lived in 
several states including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming 
and Nebraska. They had a son and a daughter who were both born in 
Wyoming.
  In 1937 the Gammells moved to Laguna Beach, California, where John 
worked as a carpenter and Thelma worked as a pottery designer. After 
retirement, the Gammells traveled, visiting friends in the Midwest. 
After her husband passed away in 1967, Thelma became active as a 
volunteer for the Santa Ana Senior Center and has continued her 
dedicated service for over 12 years.
  Surely her secret to a long life must be her warm and outgoing 
personality and her joy of life. For Thelma Gammell life had been 
filled with many wonderful memories. All who know Thelma have been 
charmed by her presence. Happy birthday and best wishes for a wonderful 
year.

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