[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 165 (Tuesday, November 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF CARMEN GALVAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2011

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to 
a beloved friend and community member and a longtime resident of 
Rialto, Carmen Haro Galvan. Carmen passed away September 7, 2011 at the 
age of 79. A memorial mass and a burial service were held on September 
15, 2011. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family 
and friends.
  Carmen was born to Demetri Haro and Ruth Valdivia. She was born and 
raised in Ontario, California, and was the eldest of twelve siblings. 
From an early age Carmen was known for her grace, beauty, and capacity 
to love.
  She married David Galvan in 1953. They settled and raised a family in 
Rialto. The Galvans lived in the city for fifty years and were active 
members of St. Catherine's Church.
  Both Carmen and David shared a love for music. They enjoyed singing 
and dancing together--the two frequented Rainbow Gardens, a dance hall 
in Pomona, and even competed in dancing competitions in Los Angeles.
  Their daughter, Debby Galvan, remembers that they danced like Fred 
Astaire and Ginger Rogers, moving like butterflies on the floor. The 
two loved music, loved their family, and loved each other.
  It was obvious how deeply the couple loved each other. Debby says, 
``They lived and breathed each other.'' David could often be overheard 
singing 'Muchacha Bonita' to Carmen. The couple had three children, 
Debby, Jeff, and Randy, and seven beloved grandchildren. Carmen will 
always be remembered for her big heart and love for her family and 
friends.
  May we all be so lucky to live a life full of love. My thoughts and 
prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, 
Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with 
Carmen's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join 
me today in honoring a cherished community member, Carmen Galvan.

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