[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF CELIA BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of the late Celia Bell, a constituent and friend, who passed away just 
two weeks ago.
  Celia Bell was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 3, 1915. She 
was born a twin and weighed only one and one-half pounds. Doctors had 
little faith the babies would survive, and indeed, one did not. But 
Celia not only survived, she thrived and went on to live a very full 
life, passing away on April 17, 2006 just a couple of weeks shy of her 
91st birthday, which would have been today.
  Celia married Max Kauffman on December 22, 1935 and they raised three 
children together: Fred Kauffman (spouse Bobbie), Hedy Goldberg (spouse 
Bob), and Brenda Hoelzle (spouse Bob). These three wonderful children 
blessed Celia and Mac with 8 grandchildren: Bret Kauffman (spouse 
Madie), Mark Kauffman (spouse Tracey), Eric Kauffman (spouse Debbie), 
Lee Hoelzle, Bryan Hoelzle (spouse Sharon), Karen Caltune (spouse 
Todd), and Lewis and Ellen Goldberg. When she passed away, Celia was 
the great-grandmother of 8 wonderful greatgrandchildren: Andrew, 
Michelle, Max, Brennan, Aaron, and Joshua Kaufman, and Matthew and 
Jarett Hoelzle. Max and Celia were married for 53 years until Max's 
passing in 1989.
  Celia Kauffman never worked outside of her home, but always kept 
busy, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. In the late 1970's, Celia and 
Max moved to South Florida where she continued to be active in her 
community by volunteering her services. She bowled until the age of 85 
when her arthritis forced her to stop. However, at the age of 89, she 
was still doing volunteer work as the water exercise instructor at her 
condominium pool and crocheting lap robes which were donated to nursing 
homes and children's services.
  It gives me great pride today to honor this great American, whose 
legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, 
and friends.

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