[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 75 (Friday, May 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF ELIZABETH ``BETTY'' M. PERRY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 15, 2015

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend and a 
true leader of our nation's seniors, Ms. Elizabeth ``Betty'' Perry, who 
recently passed away. I ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
her for her work on behalf of all Americans.
  A Sacramento native, Betty returned home to become a teacher after 
graduating from UC Berkeley. She first taught at Kit Carson Junior High 
School, and then became a teacher and counselor at C. K. McClatchy High 
School, where she influenced many students. One of these students was 
my husband, the late Congressman Robert Matsui. Bob adored Betty and 
remained close to her when he served on the Sacramento City Council and 
in Congress. After her teaching career came to a close, Betty emerged a 
true expert and leader on senior issues, where she and Bob worked 
closely to ensure Medicare and Social Security were preserved for 
future generations. Betty was especially known for her work with the 
Older Women's League (OWL), an organization whose mission is to improve 
the status and quality of life for midlife and older women. Within OWL, 
she served in many positions, including President of its Sacramento and 
California chapters, Coordinator of Education & Research, and Director 
of Public Policy. She also served as President of Health Access 
California. Betty was an unwavering advocate for improved access to 
quality health care, including universal coverage and improved in-home 
care, as well as fair housing laws and preserving each American's civil 
rights.
  Betty married Calvin Perry in 1977, gaining three step-children and 
six step-grandchildren in the process. In addition to her thoughtful 
advocacy, she was known as an incredibly caring woman and accomplished 
athlete.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying honor to 
Elizabeth ``Betty'' M. Perry for her extraordinary service and advocacy 
to those of us in Sacramento and across the nation. Her life and legacy 
is an inspiration to us all. I ask that we take a moment and extend our 
utmost respect and condolences to her family.

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