[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THELMA FIXLER'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2019

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to mark a 
tremendous milestone for one of my constituents, Thelma Fixler of 
Larchmont, who is celebrating her 100th birthday on September 17, 2019.
  Thelma has lived an amazing life, filled with some impressive roles. 
Born in Buffalo in 1919, she started singing at a young age, and after 
winning an inter-scholastic vocal contest at the age of 15, she 
matriculated at the Eastman School of Music at the University of 
Rochester. Thelma graduated in 1942 and left Rochester for New York 
City to pursue a career in opera. A mezzo soprano, Thelma joined the 
chorus of the Broadway production of the operetta Rosalinda. She made 
her Metropolitan Opera debut on November 22, 1943 in Boris Godunov on 
opening night of the Met's Diamond Jubilee Year. This was the first 
time an American-born singer debuted on an opening night. Thelma sang 
at the Met for seven years, performing 299 times in roles including 
Suzuki in Madame Butterfly, Mercedes in Carmen, and numerous ``pants'' 
roles.
  Thelma met her husband Robert (Bob) Fixler, an Army Air Corps veteran 
and New York attorney, and the two were wed in 1950. The couple moved 
to Larchmont Woods in New Rochelle in 1954 with their two young sons, 
Michael and Peter. The family joined Temple Israel of New Rochelle, and 
Thelma became an active member of the Sisterhood and served as its 
president from 1983 to 1985. Thelma spent a number of years as a 
volunteer with the New Rochelle Meals on Wheels program and with the 
Coalition for Mutual Respect, an African American-Jewish dialogue 
group. After Bob passed away, Thelma moved to Larchmont in 1999 and 
remained an active member of her synagogue, including helping to plan 
monthly lunch-and-learn events. She regularly attends Met Opera live 
broadcasts, frequents Westchester restaurants with friends, and enjoys 
attending Broadway shows and shopping with her grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, on this special occasion I want to personally wish 
Thelma a very happy 100th birthday and thank her for the years of 
service and dedication she has shown to the community.

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