[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 145 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF THELMA GAMMELL ON HER 103RD BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 1998

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Thelma Gammell on her 
103rd birthday.
  Thelma is a resident of Santa Ana, California. She was born in South 
Dakota and grew up on the South Dakotan prairie. Her family worked 
hard. A closely knit family, they enjoyed life in an old-fashioned way. 
Thelma and her sister played with their dolls and ``kitten playmates.'' 
And when it snowed, the whole prairie became their playground.
  Thelma is a joy to know. Witty, humorous, full of the spirit of life. 
Her life has been one of many wonderful adventures. She met her 
husband, John Gammell in 1912, and the two of them lived in several 
states--North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska--
before moving to Laguna Beach, California. Their son and daughter were 
born in Wyoming.
  In Laguna Beach, John worked as a carpenter and Thelma worked as a 
pottery designer. After retirement, they traveled, visiting their 
friends in the Midwest. In 1967 her husband passed away. Thelma became 
an active volunteer for the Santa Ana Senior Center and has continued 
to volunteer for the past 13 years.
  Everyone who knows Thelma is captivated by her charm and her outgoing 
personality. She has truly graced our world by her life.
  Please join me today in wishing this most remarkable woman a very 
happy birthday.

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