[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 71 (Thursday, May 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E791-E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF ANNA M. SANDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague from 
California, Congressman Dennis Cardoza to pay tribute to the life of 
Anna M. Sanders of Merced, California, who recently passed away at 88 
years of age. Mrs. Sanders was an exceptional lady filled with passion, 
love and a voracious appetite for knowledge. She leaves behind a loving 
family including three sons, three grandsons, two granddaughters, and 
one great granddaughter.
  A longtime Democrat, Anna spent nearly 40 years of her life as a 
teacher with the Atwater Elementary School District. As a zealous 
educator, she took great pride in the successes of her students. Over 
the years she was able to encourage and motivate countless young minds.
  Anna spent her life in California's Central Valley, where she got 
both her bachelors and masters degrees. She also tenderly raised her 
three sons in the area, while maintaining a household which was often 
described as painstakingly organized.
  Anna was the type of woman who took great care in everything she did. 
Her zest for life included an interest in greeting cards, crossword 
puzzles, and current politics. It is then to no one's surprise that one 
of her sons is a teacher, and the other two are actively involved in 
local and state politics.
  A woman described as kindhearted and courageous, Anna worked to 
advance the causes of groups who were marginalized, oppressed and 
underserved by volunteering her time with many worthwhile 
organizations. Anna will be remembered for her formidable spirit and 
splendid character.
  It goes without saying that Mrs. Anna Sanders was a positive 
influence in the area. Her

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commitment to family and community will forever live in the lives of 
the people she so graciously touched. I am honored and humbled to join 
her family in celebrating the life of this amazing woman who will never 
be forgotten.

                          ____________________