[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN LOVING MEMORY OF LEOCADIA VASQUEZ VALENCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2000

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with much sadness that I inform my 
colleagues of the passing of a great individual, a person who graced 
our world and our lives with so much love and compassion.
  Leocadia V. Valencia, the mother, grandmother, great grandmother, 
great-great grandmother passed away, on her Sabbath day, Saturday, 
February 19, 2000 in California. She was 98 years of age. Born in 
Matehualia, Mexico, wife of Felix G. Valencia, Pastor in the Church of 
God 7th Day. She was a long-time resident of Sacramento, California.
  Leocadia lived a very full and very fulfilling life, a life graced by 
her husband, who passed away four years ago (December 12, 1995), with 
whom she has been blessed by sixteen children: Survived by Carrol 
Cervantes, Sophia Rivas, Felix Valencia, Hope Brocklehurst, Matthew 
Valencia, Ruth Gomez, Mary McAuliffe, Paul Valencia, Lydia Hanzalik, 
Ruby Valencia, Rachel Sidhu, Sam Valencia. Survived by two sisters; 
Margarita Garnica, Micaela Perea. Extended mother to the following 
grandchildren: Yolanda Velasquez, Steve Valencia, Linda Macias, Terry 
Adame, Ernest Valencia and numerous grand children, great grand 
children, great-great grandchildren. These children and many 
grandchildren brought tremendous joy and inspiration into their lives.
  Leocadia was and remains so much a tremendous person in our thoughts 
and in our memories. We appreciate so much and will long remember the 
many good and positive things she brought into our lives, and most of 
all her faith and love for God.
  I join with Leocadia friends and family members in honoring such a 
truly remarkable and outstanding person, a mother, grandmother, a 
great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, to all of those who 
loved her so much.
  Leocadia gave so much to those she loved, and each of us is better 
and more fortunate for what she unselfishly gave to us and gave to our 
world, a world made so much brighter and more gentler by her life and 
her presence.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all gifted by the lives of mothers and 
grandmothers who do so much in guiding our lives and providing us 
comfort and proper direction. I join with all of those who loved 
Leocadia V. Valencia in extending our prayers, knowing that God's 
heaven is blessed and graced by one of his most beautiful and loving 
Angels. I ask God's peace and comfort on the family during this time of 
sorrow.

                          ____________________