[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 44 (Wednesday, April 20, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         IN HONOR OF ESTHER RICE, CIVIC LEADER OF LA MARQUE, TX

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I would like to say a few words about 
a dear friend and neighbor, whose contributions to my hometown of La 
Marque, TX, as both a good samaritan and civic leader, have been 
invaluable.
  Esther Rice, or ``Aunt Esther'' as many called her, was loved by many 
people for her compassionate service to the needy in La Marque and for 
her inexhaustible generosity. Esther was born January 12, 1913, in 
Jasper, TX, the daughter of Mitchell and Leila Gandy. She was a 
resident of La Marque for 35 years. She and her husband, C.V. Rice, 
founded the Youth Aid Project more than 25 years ago when they 
discovered that one of Mr. Rice's students would not be able to have a 
Christmas. In subsequent years, the Rices sustained the program with 
money they raised at the ``Christmas in August'' fundraiser, a much-
celebrated community event they initiated.
  I had the honor last year, with Congressman Jack Brooks, of appearing 
with Esther at ``Christmas in August.'' It was a great event, once 
again, to help needy children and needy elderly people have a 
Christmas.
  Four years ago, Esther added La Marque's senior citizens shut-in's to 
her Christmas program.
  Committed to improving the lives of those around her, Esther was 
active in a number of neighborhood projects and served on the State 
health advisory committee. In addition, she wrote a weekly column for 
the La Marque Times and the Galveston County Daily News.
  Her neighbors honored her with many awards over the years, including 
a Distinguished Service Award from the Galveston Sheriff's Department, 
an Honorary Attorney General recognition from the State of Texas, and 
La Marque's Outstanding Woman Award, not once but three times. She was 
made an admiral in the Texas Navy and was honored by the Texas House of 
Representatives on her 80th birthday last year. In addition, she was 
the only ``lifetime'' member of the La Marque Chamber of Commerce, 
which named her Citizen of the Year. She was also named Citizen of the 
Year by the local Lions Club.
  None of these awards, however, could thank Esther sufficiently for 
all of her good work. Her many achievements continue to benefit the 
community of La Marque, as the memory of her warmth and sense of 
mission will always touch the hearts of those who knew her. Esther Rice 
will be missed and remembered with love.
  Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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