[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 106 (Thursday, July 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN REMEMBRANCE OF CAROLE JEAN THOMAS FAJARDO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2001

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in remembrance of 
Carole Jean Thomas Fajardo, who passed away this month. Mrs. Fajardo 
was born in Pueblo, Colorado, and was a committed activist in the San 
Gabriel Valley and other areas. She graduated from the University of 
Texas in El Paso. She is survived by her husband Mr. Richard Fajardo 
who is a well-known attorney in the Los Angeles area. Her passions 
included music, art, animals, learning, and community empowerment 
efforts. And of course, Mrs. Fajardo adored her husband and family.
  One of Mrs. Fajardo's most powerful traits was her innate passion for 
social justice. She served as a field deputy for Los Angeles County 
Supervisor Gloria Molina, and was instrumental in helping empower 
community members and community based organizations. She was also a 
Warden's assistant who counseled families and prisoners at the 
Louisiana State Penitentiary. One of her duties was to assist family 
members and media representatives during scheduled prison executions.
  Mrs. Fajardo was also a strong supporter of the Mexican American 
Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) and served as executive 
assistant to MALDEF President Antonia Hernandez. This is where she met 
and fell in love with her husband Richard Fajardo.
  Mrs. Fajardo was also a volunteer at the Central American Resource 
Center. During her years at CARECEN, she helped people in need and 
served as a strong supporter of immigrant and refugee rights.
  Mrs. Fajardo will be dearly missed. Let us continue to keep her in 
our hearts and minds, and follow her example of leadership and caring.

                          ____________________