2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101097D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled November 19, 2025

Commending Pamelia Henriksen.

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Patron—Favola

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WHEREAS, Pamelia Henriksen, a vibrant member of the Arlington community, celebrated her 100th birthday in 2025; and

WHEREAS, born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on March 3, 1925, Pamelia “Pam” Henriksen moved to Wisconsin at a young age and attended elementary school in a two-room schoolhouse, then graduated from Wisconsin University High School; and

WHEREAS, Pam Henriksen gained an appreciation for mathematics from her mother, who worked as a teacher, and she majored in the subject at what is now Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin; during her college years, many of her classmates were called away to serve the nation during World War II, including 88 of 90 students in her calculus class; and

WHEREAS, Pam Henriksen continued her education by studying accounting at the University of Wisconsin, then settled in Arlington in 1947 and began working for the Washington Times-Herald conducting market research; and

WHEREAS, Pam Henriksen next worked for the United States Army Map Service, where she met her husband of 59 years, Soren; and

WHEREAS, after the birth of her first child, Pam Henriksen focused on raising her family and serving the Arlington community as a volunteer; and

WHEREAS, as a longtime member of Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ Pam Henriksen served as treasurer of several church committees, a member of the choir, and an active leader in several other ministries; and

WHEREAS, in 1963, shortly after the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Pam Henriksen volunteered to help establish an integrated vacation Bible school program between Rock Spring Congregational UCC and Calloway Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Pam Henriksen has enhanced the lives of others by supporting several local charitable organizations, including as a board member of the Arlington Helping Hands, a group of nonprofits backed by a variety of Arlington faith communities; and

WHEREAS, Pam Henriksen also provided outstanding leadership to the Arlington County Democrats, serving as the keeper of voter records for more than 60 years and working diligently to update and process membership and accounting records in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, outside of her careers and community service, Pam Henriksen studied the art of making traditional Japanese dolls for almost 20 years and ultimately traveled to Japan with her teacher and several other students; and

WHEREAS, through all of her endeavors, Pam Henriksen has touched countless lives through her kindness, generosity, wisdom, and grace; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Pamelia Henriksen on the occasion of her 100th birthday; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Pamelia Henriksen as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her personal and professional achievements and legacy of contributions to her community.