[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E950-E951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF DELFINA TELLES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Delfina 
Telles, former first lady of El Paso, Texas, who passed away on May 6, 
2010 in Los Angeles, California at the age of 93. Delfina was a devoted 
wife and mother who was passionate about her community and work in 
public service. I am proud to pay tribute today to such a giving woman.
  Delfina was the wife of Raymond Telles, who served as El Paso's first 
Hispanic Mayor from 1957-1961. Mr. Telles was also appointed as 
ambassador to Costa Rica by President Kennedy, during which time 
Delfina became active in civil affairs, including leading fundraising 
drives for a children's hospital and a rehabilitation center for 
children with disabilities in Costa Rica.
  Delfina is recognized and remembered for her commitment to non-profit 
organizations and charity work. She worked tirelessly on behalf of such 
organizations as the March of Dimes, was co-chairperson of the annual 
Easter Seal Drive for El Paso's Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, served 
on the Pan-American Round Table and the Woman's Auxiliary

[[Page E951]]

of Providence Memorial Hospital, and was a director of the Chamber of 
Commerce Women's Department. She is also recognized for her work with 
the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and Community 
Chest. She was also appointed to the Defense Department's Advisory 
Committee on Women in the Service by President Nixon in 1974.
  Mrs. Telles is survived by her husband, Raymond; her daughters, 
Cynthia Telles of Los Angeles and Patricia Telles-Irvin of Gainesville, 
Fla.; two sisters, Ana Jones and Noemi Valenzuela of El Paso; and a 
brother, Jose Santos Navarro of San Jose, Calif.
  Delfina Telles was a truly kind-hearted woman whose selfless givings 
will forever leave a positive impact on the communities she touched. 
She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and countless people 
who were blessed by her life of benevolence.

                          ____________________