[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 HONORING THE LIFE OF IDALIA LUNA SMITH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Linda T. Sanchez) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the life of Mrs. Idalia Luna Smith. Idalia was a caseworker in my 
district office. She was also a dear and loving friend to hundreds in 
our region of California. She was a community activist, and she was a 
loving wife and mother of three children.
  Idalia passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2006, ending a long and 
difficult battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, John, and 
her two sons and daughter: Jack, Patrick, and Veronica.
  Idalia was born and raised in East Los Angeles. Her interest in 
politics and social justice developed early in life. At the age of 14, 
she was influenced by her father's involvement in the famous 1970 
Chicano Moratorium, an event which raised political consciousness for 
thousands in the Mexican America community of greater Los Angeles. As a 
teenager and college student, Idalia became politically active in her 
community, fighting for the equal treatment of Latinos and other 
underrepresented people.
  Idalia graduated from Sacred Heart of Mary High School, then studied 
pre-medicine at Immaculate Heart College and Chicano studies, 
journalism and theatre at East Los Angeles Community College. She then 
earned her bachelor of science degree in biology at the University of 
La Verne.
  Upon graduation, Idalia went to work for the Southern California 
Edison Company. In her 20 years there, she worked in many departments, 
including power production, informational technology, health care, and 
occupational health and safety. As a testament to Idalia's good will 
and generosity, she organized several blood donation drives and health 
fairs at Southern California Edison.
  In 2001, seeking to combine her love of science, children and 
education, Idalia went back to school to earn a teaching credential at 
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. From 2001 to 2003, she 
taught science to young children at Beatitudes of our Lord School at La 
Mirada, California. However, her time at Beatitudes was unfortunately 
cut short by breast cancer. For the next 3 years, Idalia underwent the 
difficult rigors of chemotherapy and other treatments. Through her 
strength and courage, she was determined to return to help her 
community.
  In 2003, Idalia did just that as she joined her husband, John, in 
founding the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club in La Mirada. In this 
way, Idalia continued the legacy of fighting for social justice that 
she began in East Los Angeles 30 years earlier.
  In just one year, Idalia and John Smith increased the RFK Club's 
membership from 20 to 112 people. In acknowledgment of her work, Idalia 
was named the 2005 Democrat of the Year for the 60th Assembly District 
of California by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, and that same 
year she was honored by her local peers with the 2005 Community Service 
Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club.
  Over the past year, I had the pleasure of getting to know Idalia well 
as she worked in my district office as an office manager first and then 
a caseworker. Idalia's humor, optimism, and general goodwill always 
brightened our office and the lives of the constituents that she 
served. Not a day went by that she did not make us smile and laugh.
  As a caseworker, she tirelessly worked to help others with their 
problems, all while she struggled with cancer. Despite her own health 
concerns, Idalia always lent an empathetic ear and dedicated herself to 
the individuals she helped. She was incredibly modest, humble, and 
charming. My staff and I will miss her greatly.
  Through it all, Idalia believed in being proactive. She was committed 
to learning about her disease and did what she could to help others 
facing the same pain. I urge everyone to follow Idalia's example and 
make a personal commitment to ease the suffering of others as well and 
to help eradicate the horrible disease of cancer.
  Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
Idalia Luna Smith. May God bless her and ease her family's pain as they 
mourn for their loss.

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