[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF MARIA TORRES-GIL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2003

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Maria Torres-Gil on 
the occasion of her 80th birthday. She is a life-long resident of 
Monterey County and has dedicated herself to working in and giving back 
to her community.
  Maria Torres-Gi1 was born in Los Angeles; the daughter of two Mexican 
emigrates who had come to California in the aftermath of the Mexican 
Revolution. Like many other Americans during the Great Depression, 
Maria's family worked as itinerant farmers throughout the San Joaquin 
Valley before settling in Castroville in the early 1930s. She married 
Rafael Torres-Gil in 1947, but when he passed away at a young age, she 
had to raise their nine children on her own. Although she was only able 
to attend school through the sixth grade, all of her children went on 
to college and successful careers.
  Despite these hardships, Maria remained active in her community. She 
organized the first advisory committee for the Monterey County Housing 
authority, developed a school bus program for the children living in 
housing projects who lacked transportation to school, and also served 
as a vocal advocate for families in the housing project. In addition to 
working on local issues, Maria volunteered to serve as a translator for 
the Monterey County Department of Social Services. She was hired as an 
eligibility worker and served with the Department for many years. After 
retiring she was a featured columnist for the Salinas based Californian 
newspaper, in which she focused on parenting issues and community 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Maria Torres-Gil's achievements and 
accomplishments. She has demonstrated outstanding dedication to her 
community and family. Maria has made a lasting impact on our community 
and the people with whom she worked. I join the County of Monterey, and 
friends and family in honoring this truly commendable woman and all of 
her lifelong achievements.

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