[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        IN RECOGNITION OF ROSELLA PURCELL ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. JAHANA HAYES

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2020

  Mrs. HAYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rosella Purcell, 
of Southbury, Connecticut, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on 
March 27, 2020.
  Ms. Purcell is the third youngest of four children born to Rose and 
Jeffrey Donahue. While her older brothers, John and Joseph, have passed 
away, her ``kid brother'' Jeff is just as healthy as his older sister 
at the youthful age of 96. The two of them still enjoy their 
conversations on the phone talking about their memories of growing up 
in Danbury, Connecticut, and raising their families that now spread 
across four generations.
  During World War II, Ms. Purcell was a first lieutenant in United 
States Army, serving as a nurse at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. In 1951, 
she married James Purcell, a veteran who served in the Atlantic Theater 
in General George S. Patton's Third Army. Together they raised three 
children: Jay, Rosemary, and John. In addition to her children, Ms. 
Purcell has four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
  Memories abound for the Purcell family of family gatherings, most 
notably at Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island, where they have 
vacationed regularly for the past 60 years. There, her children and 
grandchildren would spend hours on their bikes or in the ocean riding 
waves, playing endless games in the backyard of the family beach 
cottage, and riding the merry-go-round at Watch Hill hoping to capture 
the elusive gold ring.
  When asked what makes Ms. Purcell such a special lady, family members 
will say her faith, sense of humor, and sincerity. While she has dealt 
with hardships in recent years, she remains steadfast to her faith--a 
faith that continues to guide her through each day and passing night. 
To this day, Ms. Purcell remains in good health and her mind is as 
sharp as ever.
  It is amazing to think about the history that Ms. Purcell has 
witnessed in her 100 years, from the Great Depression and World War II, 
to Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon and so many other events 
that have shaped the 20th and 21st centuries. However, what means the 
most to Ms. Purcell are the family members who will gather together to 
celebrate her 100th birthday and her family members who are no longer 
with us.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending warmest 
wishes to Ms. Purcell for a happy birthday and continued good health. I 
would also like to thank her for her service to our country.

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