[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MRS. ELLA SCHWARTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 1999

  Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with sadness to remember 
and honor a legendary figure from my district, Mrs. Ella Schwartz. She 
passed away last week at the age of 80. Ella Schwartz was an icon of 
the city of Torrance and she has left a lasting impression on the city 
she called home.
  Ella Schwartz was the daughter of Sam Levy, a founding father of the 
city of Torrance. The Sam Levy Department Store was the premier place 
to shop in the 1940's and 1950's. Following the death of her father in 
1965, Mrs. Schwartz assumed control of the department store and in 1988 
she transformed it into a women's boutique, naming it Ella's.
  Ella Schwartz was actively involved in the community. She will be 
forever be linked to the revitalization of downtown Torrance. She was 
devoted to the city of Torrance, becoming a symbol of the city's heart 
and center.
  Ella was a permanent fixture at her boutique until law year when she 
decided that it was time to retire and spend more time with her 
grandson. She was 79.
  People will remember her fiery spirit and her dedication to improving 
the city of Torrance. She will be missed but not forgotten.

                          ____________________