[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E91-E92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF LILLIAN VEGA

                                 ______


                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 1996

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory 
of Lillian Vega, a remarkable woman whose lifelong commitment to her 
family, friends, and the Bronx contributed to the nourishment and 
strengthening of our community.
  Today her memory will be honored by her family and friends at a 
meeting of Community Planning Board #9, in the Bronx.
  Ms. Vega was born in Ponce, PR. When she was 15 years old, Ms. Vega 
and her family moved to New York. After completing high school, she 
married Cesar Rivera and had five children.
  Ms. Vega started working as a secretary at the Hunts Point Community 
Corporation. Fifteen years of experience, dedication, and hard work led 
to her promotion to deputy director of the agency.
  Ms. Vega's political career began at the Hubert H. Humphrey 
Democratic Club in the 1970's. She was the first Puerto Rican woman to 
become district leader and held this office for almost 20 years. Her co 
leaders included Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, State Senator 
Efrain Gonzalez, and Councilman Rafael Castaneira Colon.
  Ms. Vega also worked as a community liaison for Assemblyman Hector 
Diaz and, most recently, as Community Associate at Community Planning 
board #6.
  Her active work in the community and her accomplishments led to 
numerous awards. 

[[Page E92]]
Among other organizations, Ms. Vega was a member of the Puerto Rican 
Day Parade Committee, Cruzada Civica Del Voto, Puerto Rican Civil 
Rights Association, Area Policy Board, Community Planning Board #9, 
Bronx County Democratic Committee, and the Bronx County Democratic 
Women.
  Ms. Vega leaves a legacy of courage, faith, hope, responsibility, 
love, and commitment. She is survived by her five children, ten 
grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying homage to the 
life of Lillian Vega, who still remains with us through the many people 
she served and touched.

                          ____________________