[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E78]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CANDELARIA TAITANO RIOS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2009

  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
service of Candelaria Taitano Rios, a community leader on Guam. Known 
to her friends and family as ``Candy'' or ``Lala,'' she passed away on 
January 5, 2009. I commend her for her lifetime of achievements and her 
service to our community.
  Candy was born on February 22, 1932, to John and Rosario Taitano in 
the village of Hagatna, Guam. Candy was married to the late Joseph Leon 
Guerrero Rios and they had five children, the late Joleen Rios, Joseph 
Rios Jr., Rose Rios, John Rios, and Helen Rios. She attended George 
Washington High School in Mangilao, Guam and graduated in 1951. She 
continued her education by earning an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree 
from the College of Guam before earning her Master's degree in 
Elementary Administration and Supervision from the University of Guam 
in 1971.
  While Candy pursued her college degrees, she taught in Guam's public 
schools from 1951 to 1976. She was appointed as Assistant Principal at 
Piti Elementary School and as Principal at C.L. Taitano Elementary 
School in Sinajana. In 1986, Candy retired from Government of Guam 
service as the Deputy Director of the Government of Guam Retirement 
Fund.
  After her retirement, Candy remained involved in many community 
projects and the non-profit sector. As a charter member of the Retired 
Educators Association, she advocated for issues important to retirees 
on Guam and promoted the advancement of quality education for Guam's 
students. She was also a member of the Retirement Employee's 
Association, the Vocational Education Advisory Council, and the Guam 
Elementary Administrators Association, for which she also served as 
Vice President.
  Candy Rios was active in community affairs and was a leader in the 
Democratic Party of Guam. She served in many positions in the party and 
was an effective grass roots activist and organizer. Many sought her 
advice and endorsement, and through her volunteer work, she had a 
significant impact in the electoral successes of the Democratic Party.
  Candy Rios was a lifelong educator and community leader. I extend my 
heartfelt condolences to her children, Joseph, Rose, John, Helen, her 
family, and her friends as we mourn her loss and celebrate her lifetime 
of achievements.

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