[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING RUBY S. SWEZY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize a wonderful 
woman and a dear friend, Ruby S. Swezy of Miami, Florida, who will be 
celebrating her 77th birthday on October 21, 2000.
  Ruby was born on October 18, 1923 in Miami-Dade County. She is a 
descendant of Mr. Charles Lee Greene, of Georgia, and the daughter of 
John and Estelle Stripling, her loving parents. Her father died when 
she was a teenager but her mother was blessed to live to the age of 97. 
Ruby remembers with pride many important life lessons imparted by her 
mother, who was a strong willed, determined, caring and compassionate 
woman, traits that she now demonstrates.
  Living most of her life in Miami-Dade County, where she grew up and 
was educated, she married the late Lewis Swezy, Sr. and raised her two 
beloved children, Laura and Lewis, with unwavering faith and love. The 
pride and joy of Ruby's life is her family. She beams and her eyes 
sparkle when she shares stories of their lives.
  Abandoning the security of the education arena in the prime of her 
teaching career, she decided to break into real estate, which proved to 
be the business that was meant for Ruby. It was a bold and courageous 
step for a young mother. Over the past 50 years, Ruby has become a 
respected force having made noticeable contributions to the housing 
industry around our area.
  In addition to real estate and political circles, today Ruby is a 
giant in local, national, and international housing. She was successful 
in her first political bid, diligently serving as a Councilwoman on the 
Hialeah City Council. She also has met with and served as an advisor to 
various administrations and other heads of government.
  Ruby maintains a human and in-touch demeanor with all the people of 
her community. She is admired and respected not only for her compassion 
and generosity to anyone who is fortunate to meet her, but for her 
noteworthy contributions. It is my sincere pleasure and great honor to 
join Ruby's family and friends in wishing her a wonderful celebration 
and many more happy and healthy birthdays.

                          ____________________