[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 71 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1032]]
                 IN RECOGNITION OF IRENE RIOS DE PEREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. 
House of Representatives to recognize the extraordinary life of Ms. 
Irene Rios de Perez, a woman who exhibited great strength and 
determination over the years to overcome obstacles and achieve success 
for herself and her family.
  Born April 22, 1911 in the village of Santa Rosa, Dorado, Puerto 
Rico, Irene persevered to overcome the challenges of an early orphaned 
childhood. She later married Don Francisco Perez Ramos, and emigrated 
to New York City with her husband and seven children--Patricia, 
Elizabeth, Iris, Manuel, Samuel, David, and Francisco.
  Working to make a home for her family in New York City, Irene faced 
many difficulties--including those associated with discrimination, 
alienation, low income housing, and cultural adaptation. Yet, she never 
allowed her family to succumb to the challenges they encountered. While 
continuously caring for her family and loved ones, Irene pushed herself 
to attend night school and, in the late 1960's, was awarded a high 
school diploma for her efforts from the New York City Board of 
Education.
  Throughout her long and full life, Irene has always had an enduring 
faith in God--which has enabled her to live a life that epitomizes 
respect for herself and others. She is also a capable singer who has 
used her talent to serve the spiritual needs of the close knit church 
community.
  After 95 years, Irene represents the very best of the human spirit, 
and continues to exude love, warmth, optimism, compassion, and 
forgiveness to all those around her. She remains committed to her 
family--which includes 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren--
friends, and community around her. Her children are fortunate enough to 
share many of these same qualities and interests, as evidenced in their 
pursuits in fields such as human services, government, trade, military 
services, and finance.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Irene Rios de 
Perez, and join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
recognize her many outstanding achievements.

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