[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING ISABELLE WADSWORTH OF PETALUMA, CA ON HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2004

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Isabelle Wadsworth of 
Petaluma, California, on the occasion of her 90th birthday. A good 
friend, a wise woman, and a great mind, Isabelle's active life is a 
model for all of us who value community leadership and visionary 
spirit.
  Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1914, Isabelle earned a BA at the 
University of Arizona and an MA at Northwestern University. In Arizona, 
she met her future husband, John Wadsworth. They married in 1937 and 
headed for California shortly thereafter. Initially, John managed a 
paint store in Santa Barbara and then served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 
until 1946. During the War, Isabelle moved to Sonoma County where John 
joined her later. Their daughter Sandra was born in 1948. The couple 
enjoyed a 63-year marriage. John passed away in 2000.
  In 1943, Isabelle began work as an office manager at Sonoma Title 
Guaranty, eventually joining the Board of Directors from which she 
retired in the 1960s. Her concern for her community resulted in the 
creation of Petaluma People's Services, which she helped launch in 
1963. Today the organization successfully offers a broad range of 
services such as counseling, housing, employment assistance, senior 
services, and other programs.
  As a director at Sonoma County Mental Health Services, Isabelle was 
instrumental in the establishment of Oakcrest, a county mental health 
facility. She also served on the Sonoma County Grand Jury and was 
active in the League of Women Voters. She remains politically involved 
today, following the news closely and commenting freely on the issues.
  Daughter Sandi describes Isabelle as ``an inspiration and a mentor to 
me. She taught me the value of being a well-rounded person, exposing 
yourself to as much as you can and learning about everything.''
  Mr. Speaker, Isabelle Wadsworth is an inspiration to many of us, 
especially women who share her passion to make a difference. Her 
community leadership shows what caring people can accomplish. Happy 
Birthday, Isabelle.

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