[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 60 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING BARBARA ANN KAZEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2011

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of 
the late Barbara Ann Kazen, former President of the Bethany House in 
Laredo, Inc., a settlement house for the homeless and indigent in 
Laredo, Texas. Mrs. Kazen served the community by dedicating herself to 
charitable, cultural and civic organizations.
  Mrs. Kazen was born on January 3, 1941 in Abilene, Texas to Virginia 
Lee Lively and James Lee Sanders, a humble family of ranchers. She 
lived much of her life in Albany and Texarkana, Texas. She passed away 
surrounded by her close family and friends on March 15, 2011 after a 
courageous fight with cancer. She graduated from Texas High School in 
1959 and continued her education at Texas Christian University and the 
University of Texas at Austin as a Latin and Ancient History major. She 
continued to pursue her interests in communication by attending Laredo 
Junior College to study journalism, languages, and Food and Beverage 
Management. At UT Austin, Mrs. Kazen met her husband, U.S District 
Judge George B. Kazen. She is survived by her husband, children and 
grandchildren.
  Mrs. Kazen's career is both a multifaceted and praiseworthy one. Her 
professional career includes working as a hostess and producer of the 
shows High Noon, Profile, and Consumer Report. She also served as 
director of catering and sales at both La Posada Motor Hotel and the 
Laredo Country Club. Most importantly, Mrs. Kazen's devotion to 
community, church and charitable work is truly commendable. She led 
Bethany House of Laredo, Inc. as president from 1996 until 2011; and 
also served as vice-president of the American Cancer Society. Moreover, 
she contributed to cultural and civic organizations such as the Laredo 
Civic Ballet Association, the Laredo Little Theatre, and Ruthe B. Cowl 
Rehabilitation Center by serving on the Board of Directors at each of 
these institutions. She was also an active member of the Society of 
Martha Washington, a debutante presentation in Laredo, serving as 
publicity chair, historian, and second vice-president. She further 
illustrated her commitment to charitable work as a founding Charter 
Member of the Laredo Homeless Coalition and her dedication to the 
Blessed Sacrament Parish.
  Mrs. Kazen was recognized by many organizations for her many 
contributions to the community. These recognitions include the American 
Cancer Society's ``Award for Outstanding Service'' in 1971, the Laredo 
March of Dimes ``Lady of the Year'' in 1978, and the Laredo Seven Flags 
Rotary Club's, ``Paul Harris Fellow'' in 2000. Her commitment to the 
city of Laredo was invaluable.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the late 
Barbara Ann Kazen. She proved herself to be indispensable for her 
dedication to charitable work and the betterment of the state of Texas 
and Laredo. Her example is an inspiration for us all.

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