WHEREAS, Carmen Necheles, a retired educator, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and a vibrant member of the Arlington community, celebrates her 100th birthday in 2021; and
WHEREAS, born on March 28, 1921, in Humacoa, Puerto Rico, Carmen Necheles, née Castañeda, grew up in a rural area that had only recently received electric power for the first time; throughout her life, she was a firsthand witness to many other great technological advancements and significant historical events; and
WHEREAS, Carmen Necheles married Thomas Necheles while he was stationed with the United States Army in San Juan, and the couple subsequently moved to Chicago while he was attending medical school; and
WHEREAS, Carmen Necheles and her family settled in Boston, and in the late 1960s, she earned a master's degree in education from Simmons College and taught English as a second language for Boston Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, in the 1970s, Carmen Necheles played an integral role in the establishment of a bilingual education program in Boston Public Schools, having traveled throughout the city to advocate for the program and worked diligently to recruit and train teachers; and
WHEREAS, Carmen Necheles was dedicated to ensuring that every child received the best possible education, serving as district superintendent of the bilingual program and acting assistant superintendent of the school system; she ultimately returned to classroom instruction, her true passion, as an elementary school teacher, then retired in 1994 after a long and rewarding career; and
WHEREAS, after the death of her first husband, Carmen Necheles married Albert Belton in the late 1980s, and the couple forged a loving combined family that now consists of eight children, 16 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, accomplished world travelers, Carmen Necheles and Albert Benton experienced destinations around the globe and relished numerous opportunities to learn about and enjoy new cuisine, cultures, and communities; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, Carmen Necheles relocated to Arlington to live with her youngest daughter, Anna, and her husband, Kevin Appel; she has been an active member of the community through Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and is committed to lifelong learning as a participant in continuing education classes; and
WHEREAS, from Puerto Rico, to Chicago, to Boston, to Arlington, Carmen Necheles has always brought joy to others through her kindness, generosity, and zest for life; she is especially well known for her delicious home cooking and her ability to make every meal feel like a special occasion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Carmen Necheles hereby be commended on the occasion of her 100th birthday; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Carmen Necheles as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her personal and professional achievements and best wishes.