CELEBRATING THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF SOPHIE SHIRLEY SHEFTS

On 2026-09-01, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA-2) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF SOPHIE SHIRLEY SHEFTS" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF SOPHIE SHIRLEY SHEFTS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 138 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E832] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF SOPHIE SHIRLEY SHEFTS ______ HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN of massachusetts in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sophie Shirley Shefts on the wonderful occasion of her 95th birthday. Shirley was born September 10, 1931, to Greek and Turkish immigrant parents. A daughter of the depression, she was delivered on the kitchen table of a fourth-floor walkup on Orchard Street in New York City and spent her first year cradled in a dresser drawer. Raised in the South Bronx as the second of four daughters, Shirley was an honor student and given the opportunity to attend college. But when her father became disabled, she instead went to work at Emerson Radio to help support her family. The love of her life, Sam, was the boy next door. They met as kids and were married for nearly 73 years, until Sam's passing in 2024. Together they raised three daughters--Janet, Mindy, and Nancy--with Shirley holding the family together at home while Sam worked to provide for them. Later, she worked in an art gallery with one of her best friends, Aphro, who turns 100 this year. Shirley was active in the United Order of True Sisters, a historic women's philanthropic organization that has raised millions of dollars since 1947 for cancer research, patient care, and specialized children's cancer camps. Today, Shirley is the matriarch of a family spanning four generations. Her granddaughter Sofi--whom she nicknamed ``Sweetakins''--is the apple of her eye. In retirement, Shirley and Sam moved to Florida, where she still lives in Boynton Beach. She remains a devoted lifelong Yankees fan who loves watching games on TV, especially Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm, Jr. And at 95, Shirley is still sharp as a tack. She watches Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune religiously--and could probably win. She loves Law & Order and the evening news with David Muir. Shirley is a wife, mother, nana, aunt--great and great-great--sister, mother-in-law, friend, survivor, comedian, and sweetheart. She bounces back after every medical hurdle and loss, keeps people laughing, and is loved by all who meet her. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I'd like to extend a warm congratulations to Sophie Shirley Shefts on her 95th birthday, and wish her many more happy years. I wish Shirley a happy birthday. ____________________