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IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF ELSA FORTH
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HON. DEBBIE DINGELL
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Elsa Forth of Taylor, Michigan on her 100th birthday. Her life of courage and strength is worthy of recognition.
Mrs. Forth was born in the city of Belluno, Italy on October 1, 1921, the second of twins, to Andreas and Maria Da Rin. She spent summers in the village of Laggio di Cadore with her sister Antonietta and brother Alvio. She was educated at the Vatican at the sponsorship of Father Albino Luciani--later Pope John Paul I. Her hometown became a battlefield during World War II and Mrs. Forth played a major role in the operations of the Partisans who fought alongside the allied forces against the fascist Mussolini and Nazi Germany. Her actions branded her a hero to those who know her legacy in Belluno. She left her home after being proposed to by a man with American citizenship and moved to Melvindale, Michigan.
After taking time to learn to speak English, she started working as a waitress at The Venetian Inn in downriver. In good company with the Italian family who owned the bar, they called her their ``Italian Hero.'' She was quick to make friends and was well beloved in her new home. Tragically, she came home one night to a drunken, jealous husband and came face to face with a shotgun. She managed to escape down the stairs of their small apartment but was hit in her face and upper chest. She escaped bullets in Italy only to fall victim to gunshots in America.
Luckily, Mrs. Forth was able to get an experimental plastic surgery and was able to heal quickly. Soon after, she met Raymond Forth and they wed. Together they have one son, Tony ``Tone''. She was able to find work in a technical industrial role where she remained until her retirement at age 70. When Tony joined the Marines, Mr. and Mrs. Forth moved to a home in Taylor, Michigan. Today, they live together in the renovate family home, along with Tony's wife, Antonette. Mr. Raymond Forth passed away in 1983 Tony struggles to keep up with his mother who remains full of life, even at age 100.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Mrs. Elsa Forth on her 100th birthday. Her story is one that inspires all who hear it. I join with her family and friends in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day. I am proud to honor her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions to our community here at home and abroad.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 172
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