[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING ZOILA PEREZ ROBAINA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Zoila Perez Robaina 
on her 90th birthday. On Sunday, April 18, 2004, Mrs. Perez Robaina 
celebrated this momentous occasion with her closest friends and family.
  Zoila Perez Robaina was born in Consolacion del Sur, Pinar del Rio, 
Cuba on April 22, 1914. She was one of 11 children born to Encarnacion 
Robaina Gonzalez and Antonio Perez Robaina. At a young age in Cuba, 
Mrs. Perez Robaina took an apprenticeship in embroidery and fashion 
design. Once she was proficient, she began a private business from her 
home specializing in infant clothing and bridal accessories.
  After sustaining 10 years under the Castro regime, Mrs. Perez 
Robaina, who met her husband Wilfredo Alfonso Ortega in Cuba, left the 
island with her daughter in 1969 and made her way to Newark, New 
Jersey. Her husband was forced to stay in order to be supportive of 
their son, Lazaro, who had been imprisoned for his political pursuits 
against the revolution. It was 4 years until the entire family was 
finally reunited in the United States.
  Once in New Jersey, Mrs. Perez Robaina worked tirelessly at 
Koryette's Department store as an inventory clerk to provide for her 
family. She was a dedicated parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Church. After the passing of her husband in 1981, Mrs. Perez Robaina 
moved to the City of North Bergen where she began to attend Our Lady of 
Libera church. During her time at both Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 
and Our Lady of Libera Church, she was an active member of Mary's 
Legion.
  Mrs. Perez Robaina is the loving mother of two children, Lazaro and 
Gloria, and the proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren. And at the age of 
90 years, she is an integral part of her family, with her infectious 
energy and love.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Zoila Perez Robaina 
in celebration of her 90th birthday. I wish her good health and 
happiness in the years to come.

                          ____________________