[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E23-E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ELSA F. ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Elsa F. Anderson, a resident of my fifth congressional district of 
Florida and a woman who has become something very few of us ever will. 
Elsa Anderson is a centenarian and at 102 she is a mother to 2, a 
grandmother to 2 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 11 great-
grandchildren.
  Mrs. Anderson was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but went to school in 
New York City. Following school, she worked as an assistant in a 
specialty shop, in an office and as a housewife. Obviously a dedicated 
mother, she describes her happiest moments as the births of her two 
daughters. To this day one of her favorite activities is spending time 
with them when they come to visit.
  After 102 years, Mrs. Anderson says she wouldn't change a thing about 
her life--she says she enjoys everything she's been given. When asked 
what advice she'd give to young people she says, ``Work hard, be 
honest, and be ready to enjoy good things.'' She says the best thing 
about growing older is that people respect you.
  I respect that candor and I'm proud to be her representative in 
Congress.

[[Page E24]]

  Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring 
Elsa F. Anderson today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as 
long as she has and the ability to impart wisdom as eloquently as she 
has. She is truly a great lady and someone with an appreciation for the 
importance of friends, family and happiness.

                          ____________________