[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MRS. MARY JANE GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2001

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today and honor Ms. 
Mary Jane Gardner of my 34th Congressional District in Pico Rivera, 
California. Later this month, Ms. Gardner will be awarded the ``Club 
Woman of the Year'' award by the Pio Pico Woman's Club for her 
invaluable public service to her community.
  Mary Jane was born on December 30, 1921 in Walla Walla, Washington. 
After finishing high school and a year of business college, she went to 
work at a local bank in Walla Walla. During World War II, Mary Jane met 
a young aviator named Garth Gardner who was in Walla Walla for training 
at the local air base. The two married upon his return from the South 
Pacific in 1945.
  After the marriage ceremony, Garth was discharged from the service 
and the two settled in Pico Rivera in 1950. They raised three sons, 
John, Gregory and Jeffrey, and became active in local community 
affairs. Mary Jane was PTA President and helped Garth establish his 
political career. She served as first lady of Pico Rivera eight times 
while her husband served as mayor. She helped organize various 
political functions and gave much of her time to different causes and 
organizations in and around Pico Rivera.
  Mary Jane has shown true commitment to public service while also 
raising a family. All of Pico Rivera's citizens are grateful for her 
service and dedication to her community and wish her many more future 
successes.

                          ____________________