[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 54 (Friday, May 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOHN AND LOUISE RODRIGUEZ------

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, May 2, 2002--

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor a couple whose dedication and commitment to one another, and 
their family, embodies the spirit of family values in my state and this 
nation. Through times of joy, and times of sadness, John and Louise 
Rodriguez have upheld their marriage vows to one another for thirty-
seven years. Born and raised in the City of Pueblo, Colorado, John and 
Louise are valued members of the community as parents, citizens, and 
volunteers. Together, they have conducted themselves with honesty and 
integrity over their lifetime and I stand today to pay tribute to their 
lives.
  Married on April 24, 1965, John and Louise will soon be joined in the 
celebration of their thirty-seventh wedding anniversary by their four 
children, John, Janelle, Jeffery, and Julianne. Sadly, one member of 
the Rodriguez family will be missed in their gathering, Julie Cherie, 
their first-born child. She was born on January 2, 1966, but sadly was 
diagnosed with cancer of the liver, and passed away in August of 1968. 
The couple's dedication to their family is evident in their approach to 
this trying time; Louise spent two years living in Denver to be with 
her daughter at a hospital, while John worked to provide for his family 
at CF&I in Pueblo, commuting weekly to visit his daughter and wife in 
Denver.
  Throughout their lives, John and Louise instilled strong family 
values by rearing their children in the Roman Catholic Church. They 
emphasized the value of education from early on in their childhoods, 
and encouraged the children to attend and receive college degrees. 
Today their children are proud college graduates and with the 
continuing support of their parents, are succeeding in their own 
personal endeavors. During their children's early years, John could be 
found working hard at the wire mill at CF&I to support their family, 
while Louise maintained the home front and provided a solid base for 
raising the children. As the children matured and attended college, 
Louise began work as a medical transcriptionist at various doctors' 
offices and at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. Today, Louise is the proud 
owner of her own medical transcription service and John is often found 
volunteering his time and efforts to helping handicapped children 
safely access school buses for School District 60.
  Mr. Speaker, those who know the couple best often remark on the 
evident love for one another and their children. Through the good times 
and the bad, the Rodriguez's have remained committed not only to their 
vows, but their family. John and Louise have served as true role models 
for their four children and their community, and I am honored to pay 
tribute to John and Louise before this body of Congress and this 
nation. They are a model American family and I am honored to represent 
them.

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