[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 39 (Monday, March 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E322-E323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF SYLVIA MEHAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 18, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today, along with my colleague, Mr. Nunes, we 
pay tribute to the life of Sylvia Mehas who passed away on March 9, 
2013 at the age of 94. Sylvia will be remembered in the hearts of many 
as a passionate woman who loved her heritage, family, and faith.
  Sylvia grew up in an immigrant family that was from a small village 
in Greece. Her roots were from the old country; therefore, strong 
values and morals were instilled in Sylvia early on. Sylvia knew the 
importance of hard work, and she understood that a little tough love 
was necessary every once in a while. Her children: Tulla, Peter, and 
Georgia, appreciate their mother for the lessons she taught them and 
for the principles that are now ingrained in them.
  Sylvia was married to her late husband, George, for over 53 years. 
Together, they

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were very involved in their church, St. George Parish. George served as 
a President, and Sylvia taught Sunday school, and served on the parish 
council for five years as Treasurer and Vice President. In addition, 
Sylvia was a founding member of the church choir. She sang in the choir 
for 25 years. Sylvia's Greek Orthodox faith was the foundation for her 
life, so she cherished the opportunities she had to serve at the 
church.
  Fresno's Greek community was an integral part of Sylvia's life. She 
was co-chair of the Annual Grecian Food Festival, chair of the Greek 
Community Booth for Passport Fresno and Downtown Fresno Centennial, and 
she was a member of the Daughters of Penelope, where she served as 
President and District Lt. Governor.
  Civic engagement was also very important to Sylvia. She served on 
numerous boards and committees. She was a past President of the 
Federation of Republican Women and an elected member of the Republican 
Central Committee. Sylvia was proud of her beliefs, but she was not 
against hearing other peoples' thoughts and arguments. She was happy to 
sit and talk with anyone. Sylvia served on the Fresno Grand Jury, 
Fresno County Solid Waste Committee, Fresno City Urban Design Task 
Force, Fresno City Citizen's Commission, Fresno County Reorganization 
Committee, and Fresno Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee and 
Local Government Committee.
  Beyond her participation in the community, Sylvia also ran two 
successful businesses with George. The Fresno Malt Shop and the 
Athenian Restaurant were staples in downtown Fresno. Sylvia and George 
worked hard to keep them up and running because they understood the 
important lessons they were teaching their children about hard work.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to join Mr. Nunes and myself in paying tribute 
to the life of Sylvia Mehas. Sylvia's leadership, guidance, and 
kindness will be greatly missed by many.

                          ____________________