[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 61 (Monday, April 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E592-E593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING GRETA CARDOSO IN CELEBRATION OF HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. Valadao to 
recognize Mrs. Greta Cardoso as she celebrates her 90th birthday. 
Greta's generation set an example for our country in the 20th century, 
and Greta's life is truly reflective of the American Dream.
  Greta was born in Tranquility, California, on April 1, 1924. She grew 
up in a large immigrant family with nine siblings. Her parents, 
Senhorinda Barcellos and Elisas Baptista, both emigrated from the 
Azorian Island of Terceira. Strong values were instilled in Greta at a 
young age. She attended Kerman High School and worked at the local Five 
and Dime. After graduation, Greta met her husband, Lee Cardoso, while 
she was working at The Chat and Chew.
  In 1950, Lee and Greta married and began their lives together. Both 
of their families emigrated from Terceira, so their union encompassed 
many common traditions and values. Their marriage initiated a 
partnership between the families and led to the establishment of a 
dairy business. Greta and Lee raised four children: Linda, Sonny, Joe, 
and Mark. Growing up on a dairy, the Cardoso children gained a strong 
work ethic and learned to never take their successes for granted.
  Greta is a loving and devoted mother to her children. She always gave 
her children freedom to learn and explore on their own. While they were 
in elementary school, Greta would volunteer as a room mother. She was 
not only an outstanding mother to her own children but also to her 
nieces, nephews, and neighborhood kids. Greta's hospitality goes 
unmatched. Relatives and friends are always more than welcome in the 
Cardoso household. On a personal note, Greta was an exceptional role 
model for me--her nephew.
  Outside of working on the dairy and spending time with family, Greta 
enjoyed several hobbies. She loved to sew, crochet, and needle point. 
Her needle points are a work of art and are cherished by many. She also 
loved to play cards and liked Portuguese card games the most. Playing 
bridge, bunko, and bowling were all activities that Greta truly enjoyed 
because she loves to be in the company of others.
  Greta loved her husband, and loves her children, nine grandchildren, 
and 14 great grandchildren dearly. She has led a long and fulfilling 
life, and is a great example of a strong woman who shows many 
individuals the beauty and love this amazing life has to offer.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives 
to join Mr. Valadao and myself in recognizing Mrs. Greta Cardoso as she 
celebrates her 90th birthday. She is an inspiration for all of us as 
she has a led a long life filled with joy, love, and happiness of 
Armenian to the San Joaquin Valley I call home and the entire Nation.

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