[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MRS. LEOTA DENICO SEWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Leota Denico 
Seaward on her 100th birthday and congratulate her on being awarded the 
Boston Post Cane.
  Leota was born in Vassalboro on October 6, 1910 and grew up in South 
China, Maine. After graduating Erskine Academy as class salutatorian in 
1929, she married Elmer Wilson Seaward, and the two started a large 
farm in Turner.
  Despite taking on the challenge of running a farm during the Great 
Depression, the Seawards never forgot the less fortunate and were able 
to provide a large portion of meat and vegetables for the community. 
Leota and George were well known for their caring nature during those 
tough times, often taking in the homeless and providing them with food 
and work.
  Throughout her life, Leota has remained active in the community, 
taking jobs in the local rug shop, hatchery and post office, all while 
raising four children. She remains fiercely independent, not 
relinquishing her driver's license until she was 98 years old and 
living on her own until last year. This year, Leota, surrounded by 
fifty members of her family spanning five generations, participated in 
the 4th of July parade.
  Mrs. Seaward will be celebrating this historic moment with her 
daughter, Bunny Gilbert, who shares the same birthday and will be 
turning 80. I wish Leota the happiest of birthdays, surrounded by all 
her friends and loved ones.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Leota Denico Seaward 
on her new status as a Centenarian.

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