[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 72 (Thursday, May 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF PAULINE GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to stand before you to 
pay tribute to Pauline Gonzalez, a dedicated public servant, a loving 
wife and mother, and a role model for all. Pauline Gonzalez of Edinburg 
passed away on Monday, April 26, after a long illness. She will be 
remembered for her dedication to her family, her commitment to public 
service, and her passion for politics. She will be deeply missed by her 
family, friends, and colleagues.
  Mrs. Gonzalez was born in Edinburg, Texas on March 16, 1927, to 
Francisco and Paula Garza. She was orphaned at a young age and was 
reared by her maternal grandmother, Gregoria Perez, her aunt, Segunda 
Perez, and her eldest sister, Hermencia. Her experiences as a young 
girl instilled the importance of family in her, and her commitment to 
those she loved never faltered.
  In 1948, Mrs. Gonzalez married Jose Noe Gonzalez Sr. and together 
they had three children: Jose Noe Jr., Lucy, and Martha. Along with her 
dedication to family, Mrs. Gonzalez was a firm believer in the value of 
a good education. She attended Edinburg public schools, graduated from 
Edinburg High School, and despite the odds against her, pursued higher 
education at Edinburg Junior College. She instilled in her children the 
importance of education and it paid off. Her three children followed 
her example. Martha Salazar is Hidalgo County's purchasing agent, Lucy 
Canales is an Edinburg-based attorney, and Noe Gonzalez Jr. is a 
successful businessman.
  Pauline began her career in 1945 as a deputy clerk for the Hidalgo 
County District Clerk's office. In 1960, after fifteen years of 
service, she left her position to devote more time to her family. She 
was very active with her church and many civic organizations, including 
the Hospital Auxiliary, the Hidalgo County Historical Museum and the 
Freddy Gonzalez American Legion Post 408 Auxiliary
  In 1982, once her children were enrolled in college, she returned to 
the world of work and politics. Mrs. Gonzalez ran for and was elected 
District Clerk of Hidalgo County. Her victory made her one of the first 
women elected to office in the county. She broke through the barrier of 
a male dominated political world, but in her own special way. Her 
trademark high heels and lipstick were the perfect symbol for a woman 
whose elegance was not overshadowed by her ability to get things done. 
Her willingness to listen, her honesty and sincerity, and her 
commitment to her constituents to instill a confidence in their public 
officials, and she was solidly elected year after year. Mrs. Gonzalez's 
work ethic earned her the respect of her colleagues and the admiration 
of the people she dutifully served. She epitomized what every public 
servant should strive to be--accessible and willing to go the extra 
mile.
  Above everything, it was Pauline's near perfect balance of 
determination and graciousness that made her a beloved member of her 
community. She was a dear friend, a lovely lady, and a devoted public 
servant who will be greatly missed by all. May she rest in peace.

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