[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LINDA MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 1999

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a heartfelt tribute to 
Linda Mitchell, a dear friend and tireless fighter for justice and 
equality. Linda died Tuesday, June 22, 1999 at her home in Pasadena, 
California. She was 52.
  Linda Mitchell was born and raised in the State of Ohio. The third of 
five children, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Home 
Economics from Ohio State University. After completing her education, 
she moved to California, first living in San Diego and then in Los 
Angeles.
  Linda was an individual with deep compassion and conviction. She used 
every bit of her energy and time to fight for the rights of all people, 
regardless of race, creed, or economic circumstances. She was respected 
and admired for her work on behalf of those less fortunate, in 
particular immigrants to the United States of America.
  She always employed her expertise in public relations and 
communications to champion the causes of others. Linda chose her 
avenues of involvement carefully, working for many of the nation's most 
worthy organizations, including the Mexican American Legal Defense and 
Education Fund, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Coalition for Humane 
Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, Dolores Mission Women's Cooperative, 
and the International Institute. In her quest for justice, she served 
as a Board Member for the American Civil Liberties Union. Understanding 
the importance of the press in this country, she was a member of 
Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting.
  Though small in size, Linda Mitchell was big of heart. When she 
walked into a room, you might not see her right away, but you could 
feel her presence because she exuded warmth and love for her fellow 
human being. She helped set up parenting classes for refugees from the 
former Soviet Union and a support center for Alzheimer's disease 
victims and their families.
  With health a constant challenge, Linda never let physical 
limitations prevent her from doing anything. She traveled beyond her 
hemisphere to Europe and to China. She wanted to learn as much as 
possible about the world so she could change it.
  I have never met a person more grounded on the value of human dignity 
nor more dedicated to promoting its survival. Linda always had a way of 
extracting that extra effort from me to maximize my service to the 
public. She has been a partner in work, a counsel in policy and a model 
in ethics.
  Linda is remembered by friends and colleagues for her selflessness, 
generosity, and integrity--a woman who was dedicated to the pursuit of 
justice and equality. She is also remembered for her love of children, 
her wonderful cats, and her scrumptious desserts.
  A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 1, 1999 at 3:00 
p.m. at the Throop Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena, 
California. There will also be a Memorial Service in Marion, Ohio where 
Linda will be buried on July 10, 1999.
  Linda is survived by her father and mother, Ted and Elaine Mitchell; 
two sisters Judy LaMusga and Karen Mitchell; one brother Alan Mitchell; 
two nieces Cindy and Katie Mitchell; and two nephews Rob and Michael 
Mitchell. Her brother Bob Mitchell is deceased.
  Mr. Speaker, Linda Mitchell left us too soon, with so much to do and 
so much to teach. She epitomized all that is good about America. I feel 
deeply privileged to have known her. I will forever remember her 
fondly. It is with great pride, yet profound sorrow, that I ask my 
colleagues to join me today in saluting this exceptional human being.

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