[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF SAMITA JACOBS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 27, 2020

  Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Samita Baumritter Jacobs. Sookie, as she was known, passed away 
at her home on April 27, 2020 at the age of 89. Throughout her 
extraordinary life, I am told she spread her unique warmth, spirit, 
goodness, and generosity to all who were lucky enough to know her.
  The daughter of Ted and Florence Baumritter, Sookie grew up in New 
York City. After being set up on a blind date with Howard Jacobs, it 
soon became clear that they were soulmates. Sookie and Howard married 
on June 5, 1952, and for the next 63 years they were partners in 
everything.
  After starting a family in New York, Sookie and Howard moved their 
young children to southern California so they could start their own 
furniture business. Sookie was the aesthetic force in the endeavor 
while Howard handled the business side. With their complementary 
talents and temperaments, their one Ethan Allen store soon turned to 
five--and they were known for their excellence, value, and integrity. 
Customers and staff not only respected Sookie, they loved her.
  Nothing was more important to Sookie than being with her family, and 
she cherished trips and visits with her children and their families. In 
their later years, Sookie and Howard moved to Rancho Santa Fe in the 
49th Congressional District to be closer to their daughter Ami and her 
family. Sookie's devotion to Howard knew no bounds, caring for Howard's 
every need through his declining health and difficult bout with 
Alzheimer's.
  Sookie taught her family by example that a glass could be half full. 
She faced numerous health challenges in her life. When she had her 
first bout with cancer in the late 1970s, the doctors gave her a less 
than 10 percent chance of living for more than three years. She made up 
her mind quickly that she was going to be one of the 10 percent. Her 
courage and determination were simply inspirational. Throughout her 
life she met every challenge with her fierce determination and loving 
care for those around her.

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