[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E39]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING ERWINA WRIGHT'S ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 16, 2024

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Erwina 
Wright on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday.
  Erwina ``Winnie'' Wright was born in Lucus Grove, Mason County, 
Kentucky, on January 13, 1924. The daughter of Richard and Margaret 
Soward, Winnie grew up on a farm during the challenging years of the 
Great Depression.
  An ardent believer in the value of education both for herself and 
others, Winnie graduated from Lewisburg High School in Lewisburg, 
Kentucky, and at a formidable time for women aspiring to a college 
education, she went on to enroll at the University of Kentucky where 
she received a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics and organic 
chemistry.
  During the period of World War II, Winnie joined the Civil 
Quartermaster Corps. This led her to work in the laboratories of 
Procter and Gamble in Averdale, Kentucky, where her work advanced our 
country's defense and war efforts.
  As World War II neared its end, Erwina Soward married Goebel James 
Wright, who at the time was a naval aviator involved in submarine 
reconnaissance completing his advanced flight training in Lake City, 
Florida. After the war, Winnie moved back to Kentucky where she and her 
husband established their home for over half a century in the town of 
Flemingsburg. It was there that they brought up their children, James 
Wright and Tevis Ann Keating.
  While bringing along her family, Winnie pursued a master's 
certificate in library science. She employed this in her position at 
the Flemingsburg Library where she encouraged learning, particularly in 
children's literacy, for over a quarter century.
  After her retirement, Winnie and her husband, first as snowbirds and 
then as residents, adopted the welcoming community of Sun City Center, 
Florida, as home. There they established new roots and long-lasting 
friendships. Since the passing of her husband Goebel, Winnie continues 
to vibrantly engage in civic and social activities and has enjoyed 
watching her two grandchildren, Kristen Ann and Patrick Wright Keating, 
grow.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Winnie, and as her friends and 
family gathered to celebrate her one hundredth birthday on January 13, 
2024, at the Plaza Club in Sun City Center, the U.S. House of 
Representatives joins in commemorating and congratulating Erwina 
``Winnie'' Wright on the extraordinary achievements of her century long 
life.

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