[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN REMEMBRANCE OF LAURETTA ZARLENGA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory and recognition of 
Lauretta Lisa Zarlenga. A wife, mother, and grandmother, Lauretta 
dedicated her life to her family.
  Born in a small town in Italy in 1913, Lauretta immigrated to the 
United States during the Great Depression as a teenager. Settling in 
Chicago, Lauretta's family carved out their presence as a working class 
immigrant family. Learning quickly the skill of artistic hat design at 
night school, Lauretta practiced her craft to support her constantly 
growing family. It was also at night school that she met her future 
husband, Dino, whereupon the two coincidentally chose the same topic 
for an essay assignment and subsequently discovered they came from 
neighboring villages in Italy.
  Lauretta went on to serve her Chicago community in the restaurant 
industry where she eventually managed several dining rooms at Chicago's 
premier establishments. Once, while running the dining room at the 
Drake Hotel, she accommodated a desperate Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, who 
had been denied entrance to another restaurant based on their attire. 
The two had been referred to Lauretta by her brother, who said, ``You 
give these guys good service.'' This story exemplifies the two 
strongest qualities for which we remember Lauretta: service and family. 
Lauretta's ability to always hospitably put others before herself stood 
out to anyone who knew her. As a mother of four, she modestly provided 
her children with any opportunities she could and supported them in all 
their endeavors. In this way, she truly accomplished her own American 
Dream.
  Lauretta Zarlenga's legacy continues to live on through her 
posterity. Lauretta's inspiration and support of her family shows 
itself in the work of her children who include a lauded poet, 
successful restaurateur, and a notable scholar of monetary reform.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory and 
recognizing the accomplishments of Lauretta Zarlenga. Her unwavering 
commitment to her family, friends, and community framed her life and 
served to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals.

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