Helen Sommers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Sommers
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Sommers in 1973
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| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 36th district |
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| In office January 8, 1973 – January 12, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Gladys Kirk |
| Succeeded by | Reuven Carlyle |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Helen Elizabeth Sommers
March 29, 1932 Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | March 7, 2017 (aged 84) Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of Washington |
Helen Elizabeth Sommers (March 29, 1932 – March 7, 2017) was an important American politician. She served for a long time in the Washington House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state of Washington. She was a member of the Democratic Party. When she retired, she had served longer than any other lawmaker in Washington state history.
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Early Life: Growing Up in New Jersey
Helen Sommers was born on March 29, 1932, in Woodbury Heights, New Jersey. Her father, Roy Sommers, was a car dealer. However, he lost his business during the Great Depression. This was a very tough time in the 1930s when many people lost their jobs and money. After that, he worked as a car salesman.
Helen's mother, Christine Sommers, was a housewife. When her husband lost his dealership, she went back to work. She became an office manager for the local Girl Scouts group. Helen and her two siblings, Martin and Joan, grew up in the Presbyterian faith. Helen went to Woodbury High School. There, she was a member of the National Honor Society. She also learned important secretarial skills.
Starting Her Career and Education
After finishing high school, Helen Sommers began working. Her first job was as a clerk at a Mobil Oil Company refinery. Later, in 1962, she decided to continue her education. She started taking classes by mail from the University of Washington. Even though she had never been to Washington state, she was determined to learn.
In 1965, she visited Seattle, Washington, for summer classes. She liked it so much that she moved there permanently in 1968. She then earned two degrees from the University of Washington. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in economics. She also studied at Harvard University as a special research fellow.
Becoming a Politician
Helen Sommers was first elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1972. This was a big achievement. She was the first woman from her district to be elected in 30 years. This showed her strong leadership skills.
On January 10, 1994, she was given a very important role. The Speaker of the House, Brian Ebersole, chose her to lead the House Appropriations Committee. This committee is in charge of how the state's money is spent. It is a powerful position that requires a lot of knowledge about state finances.
Her Lasting Impact
Helen Sommers passed away on March 7, 2017, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She was 84 years old. She left behind a strong legacy of public service. To honor her many years of hard work, a building on the Capitol Campus was named after her. This building is a reminder of her dedication to the people of Washington state.
