[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 22, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. HELEN SONDEL AS SHE CELEBRATES HER 
                             100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 22, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Helen Sondel as she celebrates her 100th birthday on October 31st, 
2013.
   Born in Poland in 1913, Helen made the journey to the United States 
at the age of thirteen. Due to the poor health of her mother, Helen 
bravely made the journey alone. Once she arrived in America, she was 
reunited with her father.
   Determined to begin a new life in the United States, Helen made her 
way to Buffalo, New York. She enrolled in the Buffalo Public School 
System, seizing her opportunity to obtain an education.
   During World War II, Helen channeled her indefatigable spirit into 
supporting the war effort at home. She worked in the Bell Aircraft 
Factory, which produced fighter planes, including the first supersonic 
aircraft, the Bell X-1.
   She married the love of her life, Anthony Sondel on May 20, 1933. 
After nearly seven years of marriage, the couple adopted their beloved 
son David from the Father Baker infant home. Helen's family has grown 
to include six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who she 
loves dearly.
   Helen is a faithful member of the St. John Baptist church in 
Kenmore. She enjoys staying active by gardening, playing cards, 
shopping, and spending time with her family.
   Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to celebrate 
Helen Sondel's 100th birthday, her generous spirit, and her boundless 
love for her family and friends. Thank you for allowing me a few 
moments to recognize the legacy of this outstanding woman. I wish Helen 
and her family all the best for their many years to come.

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