[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 40 (Friday, March 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. JESSIE WADE, ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 6, 2009

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
Mrs. Jessie Wade, a long time Michigan resident and teacher, upon her 
100th birthday.
  Jessie Wade was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 6, 1909 to a large 
family of two brothers and three sisters. In 1926, she graduated from 
Southwestern High School and subsequently worked her way through 
college. Jessie attended Wayne University for two years and in 1931 
graduated from Michigan State Normal College, currently known as 
Eastern Michigan University. In the midst of the Great Depression, 
Jessie struggled to find fulltime employment. Coming from a family of 
educators, Jessie devoted her life to Detroit-area students as a 
teacher with the Detroit Public Schools through World War II and until 
her retirement. Jessie married Starr Wade on April 7, 1931 at the 
Dearborn Inn and spent 49 wonderful years with him until his passing. 
Jessie and Starr were blessed with one daughter, Linda, who tragically 
passed away on November 3, 1945 leaving her three children in their 
care.
  Jessie Wade is a life-long educator and a fulltime grandmother and 
great-grandmother to her three grandchildren and two great-
grandchildren. Jessie has lived for the past twenty year in the Silver 
Village retirement community in Livonia, Michigan. She has been an 
active and founding member of Grosse Pointe Congregational Church. 
Although she had to give up driving at the age of 96, Jessie has 
remained a very independent and active member of her community.
  Madam Speaker, admired by all who know her, Jessie Wade has enriched 
and inspired everyone she has touched throughout her life. As Jessie 
celebrates her 100th birthday today, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating her on reaching this spectacular milestone and honoring 
Jessie for her loyal service to her community and the country.

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