[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E541-E542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING MRS. BERNICE MOUNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that 
I congratulate Mrs. Bernice Mounia on her momentous 80th birthday that 
she will be celebrating on April 19, 2004. Bernice has spent the past 
80 years of her long and distinguished life caring for her family and 
her community in Gary, IN. Her presence in Northwest Indiana has 
allowed her the opportunity to touch the lives of many people.

[[Page E542]]

  Bernice was born on April 19, 1924, and subsequently moved to Gary, 
IN from Alabama in 1944 with her loving husband, Webster Mounia. After 
moving to Gary, IN, Bernice and Webster were blessed with the births of 
their 10 wonderful children. Her children, as well as people whose 
lives are touched by Bernice, admire her for devoting unselfish love, 
time, dedication, guidance, and spirit to her family, church, and 
friends.
  As we'll as being dearly loved and respected by her family and 
community, Bernice was also well known for her ingenuity and prudence. 
Bernice currently resides in the same house at 2700 Jefferson Street 
that she and her husband built 48 years ago. She displayed ingenuity in 
constructing insulation out of dryer lint to plug cracks around windows 
and doors. Along with her many other accomplishments in her community, 
Bernice was also a pioneer in the practice of recycling. Due to her 
resourcefulness, Bernice invented ways in recycling aluminum, bread 
bags, cloths, jars, food, soap, wax paper, and cans of grease that were 
left over from her gourmet cooking.
  Gourmet cooking on a frugal budget was definitely one of Bernice's 
fortes. Bernice made sure no one in her family went without a first 
class meal to eat. As well as providing the best meals available for 
her children, Bernice also wanted the best upbringing for her children. 
By providing unwavering guidance to her children, she instilled in them 
the morals and fortitude that have molded her children into successful 
adults who are raising families of their own.
  Mr. Speaker, Bernice Mounia has given her time and efforts selflessly 
to the people of Northwest Indiana throughout her long and illustrious 
life. She has taught every member of her family and extended family the 
true meaning of service to all people in the community. I respectfully 
ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in 
congratulating Mrs. Bernice Mounia for her outstanding contributions to 
Indiana's First Congressional District. I am proud to commend Bernice 
for her lifetime of service and dedication.

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