[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 19 (Tuesday, January 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING ELIZABETH SCHANNE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2026

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elizabeth 
Schanne, a remarkable constituent who is celebrating her 100th 
birthday. Elizabeth was born on January 13, 1926, in the Germantown 
section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Cecilian 
Academy, beginning a life marked by faith, service, and creativity.
  Elizabeth was introduced to her husband of 65 years, Lt. Francis A. 
Schanne, by her best friend Mary Moriaty. They were married on November 
10, 1944, during World War II, and moved to Fallbrook, California, 
where Francis served in the United States Navy. During this time, 
Elizabeth assisted the Navy Purser, ensuring servicemen received their 
pay. She later worked as a ballroom dancing instructor at the Arthur 
Murray Dance Studio in Boston while Frank completed his engineering 
degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
  The couple returned to the Philadelphia area, where Frank worked for 
DeLaval in Trenton, and they raised five children. In the 1950s, 
Elizabeth earned the title of Miss Artisan of Ocean City, New Jersey. 
The family later settled in Newtown, Pennsylvania, where Elizabeth and 
Frank became active members of Saint Andrew Catholic Church. Elizabeth 
shared her artistic talents through sewing, needlepoint, knitting, oil 
painting, and by teaching ballroom dancing to local youth at the George 
School.
  Elizabeth also served the community through her involvement in the 
Saint Andrew Church Centennial celebration, the Newtown Bicentennial 
celebration, and the efforts that helped bring Saint Mary's Hospital 
into existence. She is also well known throughout Bucks County for her 
distinguished career as a Realtor, beginning in 1962, serving 
generations of families for more than five decades before retiring at 
age 75 to care for her husband.
  Never one to slow down, Elizabeth took up step dancing at age 75 and 
performed in local shows and parades, including the Philadelphia St. 
Patrick's Day Parade. Today, she continues to serve others at the 
Holland Senior Living Community by praying with fellow residents. 
Elizabeth is the proud mother of five, grandmother of twelve, great-
grandmother of eighteen, and great-great-grandmother of two.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues in the United States House 
of Representatives to join me in extending our heartfelt 
congratulations, sincere well-wishes, and God's blessings to Elizabeth 
Schanne on the celebration of her 100th birthday.

                          ____________________