Recognizing Vera Waddle Finley's 100th Birthday

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Vera Waddle Finley, an amazing person who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on February 5, 2025. It is my distinct honor to pay tribute to Ms. Finley on this joyous occasion and to highlight the extraordinary life that endears her to so many in the community. Born to Pearl Porterfield Waddle and Albert Norberth Waddle in Forman, Arkansas, she grew up in a family with five older siblings: Herley, Haskell, Marilla, Marilene and Aaron. In 1927, the Finley family moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma following the devastating loss of their mother, Pearl.

Vera, a high school graduate, has always been eager to learn more and has had a strong desire for knowledge, particularly in the field of business. While she initially devoted her time to being a homemaker, she later worked at Hansen Textile once her children were older. Vera finished out her career at Merck, Sharp and Dohme where she spent over 35 years as a Confidential Secretary using her fluency in typing and shorthand daily.

Vera met the love of her life, United States Army Air Corps Gunner Louis Franklin Finley, Jr. in 1943 as the pair danced the polka. The following Spring, the pair married and relocated to Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Throughout their 40 years together, the pair never missed a chance to share a dance. Together they raised four children-- Rockwell, Tanya, Ronald and Debra--who each went on to marry Brenda, Eddie, Barbara and Robert, respectively. If you ask any of her children, they will say that she was an excellent homemaker, gardener and cook.

Aside from her children, Vera has 10 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. She enjoys conversing with others and listening to music. She is an active member of the Montgomery Baptist Church in Colmar, Pennsylvania where she remains the oldest member.

As we celebrate her 100 years of life, we are extremely grateful for the positive impact she has had on her children, her family and all those who know her. She always sports a smile and loving heart.

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