[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1755-E1756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANASTASIA ``ANNIE'' SAIZ, OF BELEN, NM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in loving tribute and memory of my 
sister Anastasia ``Annie'' Saiz, who passed away over the August 
congressional recess.
  Beloved wife of Seferino Saiz, beloved sister of Florenio, Maria 
``Lupe'' Napier, Morris, Tanny, Raymond, Joe, and Theresa Perez, and 
the late Abiflio Baca, beloved mother and mother-in-law of Robert Saiz 
and Lisa; Elsie Giron and husband, William; Sefe Saiz Jr. and wife, 
Liz; Dorothy Johnston and husband, Johnny; Lorraine Marquez and 
husband, Carl; and Charlie Saiz and wife, Rose, all of Belen. She is 
survived by 16 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
  Annie lived life to the fullest, reaching the mark of 78 years young. 
She and Seferino had just celebrated their 60th anniversary with a 
family dinner at their home on August 5. They were married in 1945 in 
La Joya.
  Annie was widely admired by family, friends, and colleagues. She was 
hard working, dedicated, committed, disciplined, loving and supporting. 
She was everything one would want in a sister, daughter, mother, wife, 
grandmother, and great grandmother.
  She was employed by the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School, 
working with mentally challenged children. She had a big heart and 
compassion for the less fortunate. She would bring home children during 
the Easter holiday to enjoy the picnics; she couldn't see them being 
alone.
  She was a devoted Catholic, and active in our Lady of Belen Catholic 
Church, and she volunteered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She 
participated in civic causes, volunteering her time, getting up at 7 
a.m. to drive voters to the polls. When she believed in a cause, she 
would work her heart out.
  She loved to shop. During the holidays she always gave out presents 
to strangers and her friends. She enjoyed listening to Mariachi music, 
going dancing at the senior citizen dances with Seferino and friends. 
She enjoyed listening to Jennifer sing Mariachi songs. When we would 
visit she was always so thoughtful and kind to give me and Barbara and 
my children a little gift. We will always remember her kindness and 
love for family.
  Annie enjoyed spending time with her family. She always supported her 
children and grandchildren, cheering them on at baseball games; she was 
their No. 1 fan. She defended her family, as she stood by their side. 
She was all about ``familia.'' On her children's birthday, she would 
call the local DJ and dedicate songs to her children. She would tell 
them to turn on the radio, and there is a special song, chosen from her 
heart.
  She was a great cook. Everyone would go to her house, and even if you 
were not hungry, she would make sure that she gave you a plate and made 
you eat. The food was always so delicious, how could you refuse. We 
loved her tortillas and atole. She had special Mexican food remedies 
for our colds.
  Annie's life was dedicated to family, friends, and community. Her 
memory lives on in our

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thoughts and prayers. We say, ``Goodbye. God bless you, we love you, 
and we miss you.'' We all loved her with all our hearts. She is now in 
a better place with her heavenly Father and at peace.

                          ____________________