[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF BETTY RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Betty Rodriguez, who passed away on November 12, 2012, at the age of 
83. Betty will be remembered as one of Fresno's greatest treasures.
  Betty was born and raised in Fresno, California, where she graduated 
from Edison High School and met her husband, Armando Rodriguez. Armando 
and Betty were high school sweethearts and celebrated their 60th 
wedding anniversary in 2010. Their marriage was filled with happiness, 
warmth, and compassion. Together, they shared a deep love for one 
another and also for their community.
  Armando was a Superior Court Judge in Fresno County and Betty became 
extremely active in the community. She spent her time volunteering for 
many different organizations, including the League of Women Voters, 
Girl Scouts, Arte Americas, Ladies Aid for Retarded Citizens, Friends 
of the Library, and the Fresno-Torreon Sister City Committee.
  Betty was a trailblazer for women throughout the Valley. It was an 
important priority for Betty to instill in women, especially Hispanic 
women, that they could make a difference in the world. She wanted 
Hispanic women to feel liberated and proud of themselves and their 
heritage.
  One of Betty's greatest achievements was the founding of the League 
of Mexican American Women. They created the Fiesta Navidena Fashion 
Show, an event dedicated to raising scholarship money for local youth. 
Over $250,000 has been raised since the fashion show's inception. Betty 
took great pride in the event because the proceeds were going to a 
wonderful cause. Betty was known to be able to sell tickets to anyone 
because she would not take no for an answer. Due to Betty's tireless 
efforts, the fashion show is still something people look forward to 
year after year.
  This past May, Armando and Betty were recognized at the 12th annual 
Latino Legends of the 20th Century dinner for their service to the 
community. Their selflessness and passion for the Central Valley made 
them very deserving of the award.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Betty Rodriguez, a true champion for the people of Central California. 
Her leadership in the community made her a role model and asset to our 
community. Betty's generous and kind heart will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________