[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 3 (Monday, January 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF ELAINE ROSCELLA LEHMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 14, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Elaine Roscella Lehman. Her character exemplified the very best of what 
our Nation has to offer--she was thoughtful, generous, and possessed a 
strong work ethic.
  Elaine's long-time commitment to service began early in her life when 
she joined the United States Navy and served in the WAVES (Women 
Accepted to Volunteer Emergency Service) division during World War II. 
Elaine began her service in Philadelphia as a medical operating room 
assistant, and she was later stationed at Pearl Harbor Navy Hospital. 
She served our country proudly during a time in history that forever 
changed our Nation and the world.
  After the war ended, Elaine moved to Central California with her 
brothers. Shortly after arriving in the Golden State, she met her 
lifelong partner, Henry Lehman, and married him in 1947. Elaine and 
Henry had four children: Rick, Janet, David, and Charles. Together, 
they maintained and operated a successful family farm.
  Elaine's service was not exclusive to times of war. She was also 
deeply involved in her community and became a well-known figure in 
Sanger, California and surrounding cities. She was president of Wilson 
Elementary School PTA, served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, and also 
volunteered as a Room Mother. In 1979, Elaine's work and dedication was 
recognized when she was honored as Sanger's Mother of the Year.
  After an unfortunate automobile accident that resulted in the tragic 
death of her child Charlie, Elaine decided that she would go back to 
school for her nursing degree. She worked as an LVN at Valley Medical 
Center and at the Sanger Convalescent Hospital. Elaine genuinely cared 
for the well-being of others, so being a nurse suited her well. Elaine 
consistently went above and beyond for her patients. For years, she 
drove cancer patients to their treatments as a member of Angels on 
Wheels, using her own vehicle and gas. Elaine's legacy will undoubtedly 
live on through her kind and generous acts.
  Elaine supported her family members whole-heartedly in times of 
distress and in times when they were working to fulfill their goals. 
When Henry was diagnosed with cancer, Elaine retired to stay with him 
and provide full-time care. When Rick ran for election in 1976, she was 
with him every step of the way until the end of his political career. 
Rick served with distinction in the California State Legislature and as 
a member of the House of Representatives from 1983 to 1994. Her 
daughter Janet served as a teacher, while her son David works as a 
structural engineer.
  In addition to her family, Elaine's faith was also extremely 
important to her, and she taught Sunday school for over 20 years. She 
leaves behind her three children and two grandchildren: Carrie Beedle 
and Stephanie Lehman.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of an amazing 
woman, Elaine Roscella Lehman. Her positive attitude and overwhelming 
love for others will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________