[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF CATHERINE ``LENA'' ZABARA DICHELE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2009

  Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
100th birthday of Lena Dichele, a living example of the hard work and 
spirit that we cherish as Americans. Born on January 1, 1909, Lena 
immigrated to the United States at age 7. Her story began at Ellis 
Island, where so many other American stories began. Although Lena 
stopped her formal education in the 8th grade to help her family in 
trying economic times, she went on to become a life-long educator.
  At the age of 14, Lena learned to sew at the Waterbury Connecticut 
Girls' Club, where she transformed this skill into her life's passion. 
Lena went on to become a sewing instructor at the Girls Club and an 
informal authority on all things sewing at Tops Department Store in 
Waterbury. She was also familiar enough with electric sewing machines 
to assist customers and perform repairs. Lena began sharing her love of 
sewing with seniors throughout Waterbury by teaching at the Pearl 
Street Neighborhood Center, the Palladino Center and the Mattatuck 
Senior Center, where she ended her 83 year career in 2006 at the age of 
97.
  On New Year's Day, Lena's family gathered to celebrate her 100th 
birthday. But more appropriately, they celebrated the impact that she 
has had on her family, her friends, and her community, during those 100 
years. Lena's story is a truly American story, and I am honored to 
represent her in Congress, and be able to congratulate her today, here 
on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, on this 
milestone.

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