[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 87 (Friday, July 1, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    THE DEATH OF ``MAMA'' LUCY LOPEZ

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today on the occasion of the loss 
of one of New Mexico's great citizens, ``Mama'' Lucy Lopez of Los 
Vegas, New Mexico.
  Known throughout NM as Mama Lucy, Mrs. Lopez was a mother of six, and 
ran the Plaza Hotel and a restaurant in historic west Las Vegas. Among 
her children is Jesus Lopez who carries on the family involvement in 
politics as the Chair of the San Miguel County Democratic Party. Mama 
Lucy's was long a required stop for politicians campaigning in northern 
New Mexico and no one who visited, including many students from the 
local university, left with an empty stomach or without being touched 
by the warmth of this woman. Like many northern New Mexicans of her 
time, Mama Lucy had been through difficult times, but her boundless 
kindness, spirit and zest for life saw her and those around her through 
the tough times.
  Mama Lucy became a symbol for many of the political changes that 
swept New Mexico in the early 1970's. A progressive movement was begun 
at her restaurant, led by young politicians who got their start talking 
around a home cooked meal. Their vision has helped move New Mexico in 
the direction of change. They would be the first to acknowledge the 
contributions of this wonderful woman.
  Mr. President while the occasion of the death of Mama Lucy is sad, 
she will always be remembered for the kindness and warmth that she 
showed to all. She will be missed.

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