[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF TINA BURGESS-COAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great personal sadness that I 
rise to pay tribute to Tina Burgess-Coan, who died peacefully on May 
12, 2003. Beloved wife of the late Judge George ``Papito George'' Coan 
and devoted mother of William and Robert Burgess, she was a friend to 
so many and we were blessed to have her with us. Thank you, William and 
Robert, for sharing your wonderful mother with us.
  Tina Burgess-Coan, affectionately known as ``Mama Tina,'' was born in 
Colombia, South America. In Colombia, she studied with the Carmelite 
Sisters and acquired the spiritual foundation for a life of charity and 
giving. Her relationship with the Carmelite Sisters continued to grow 
and guide her life of social and political activism.
  On her way to San Francisco she spent time in Hollywood where she 
perfected her glamorous style, but we are so fortunate that she chose 
our city of San Francisco to be her home.
  Mama Tina came into my life during my first term in Congress. Through 
the years, she continued to extend her loving support and generosity to 
my family and friends. She was actively involved throughout the San 
Francisco community, serving numerous neighborhood groups and 
individuals. Always there when she was needed, she gave abundantly of 
her time, her wisdom, and her delicious home-cooked meals.
  Words cannot express my appreciation for Mama Tina's many years of 
love, generosity, and friendship to my family and the San Francisco 
community. Wherever she went, she made everyone feel a part of a large, 
caring family. She was one of a kind.
  We will miss Mama Tina terribly but are grateful for every day we had 
with her.

                          ____________________