[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1204-E1205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EVELYN SOMMERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2017

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Evelyn 
Sommers, who passed away on August 25, 2017.
  During her tenure as Executive Director of the District of Columbia 
Nurses Association from 1980 to 2002, Evelyn Sommers touched many 
lives. After obtaining a journalism degree from the University of Texas 
at Austin, Ms. Sommers went on to obtain a Master of Business 
Administration from Southern Methodist University. During that time, 
Ms. Sommers recognized her passion for helping others, which led her to 
the District of Columbia Nurses Association.
  After Ms. Sommers retired from the District of Columbia Nurses 
Association, she went on to volunteer for the YWCA National Capitol 
Area in a number of leadership capacities, including president, vice 
president, and as a member of the board of directors. Aside from her 
time spent as a volunteer with the YWCA, Ms. Sommers and her husband 
volunteered their time and talents to other organizations, such as the 
Mid-County United Food Bank, the Homeless Project Advisory Board and 
the Voluntary Action Center. Additionally, Ms. Sommers and her husband 
assisted with the construction of St. Bernard Secondary School in the 
village of South Kinangop, Kenya, after they had toured the country and 
fell in love with its culture. The school continues to graduate many 
students and have a significant positive impact on the village and its 
surrounding communities.
  Ms. Sommers leaves behind her husband of 50 years, John Sommers; her 
brothers, Jack Dugan, Fred Sommers, Martin Sommers and James Sommers; 
and countless nieces and nephews, as well as their spouses.
  I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life 
and legacy of Evelyn Sommers and remembering her selfless dedication to 
others.

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