[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ALBERTA LENTE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2015

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor Alberta Lente, a respected elder and patriarch of a proud 
family from the Pueblo of Isleta.
  Alberta had amazing role models in her parents, Esquipula and Juanita 
Jojola, who raised nine children while maintaining several jobs. Coming 
from a big family meant that Alberta had to make sacrifices. She 
started attending business school aspiring to one day work as a 
professional secretary, but her father urged her to come home and help 
with the household finances.
  The news was devastating for Alberta, but she forged forward, knowing 
that her family needed her support. She put her dreams on hold, came 
home, and took on the role of primary caregiver for the family. From 
1945 to 1984, Alberta worked as a seamstress for the famous ``Tiwa 
Weavers'' and later went on to work for the Pueblo of Isleta Elder 
Center as a delivery driver and site manager all while caring for her 
children and younger siblings.
  She never failed to carry out her commitment to her family. Every 
morning, Alberta would wake up and catch the 6:30 a.m. bus from Isleta 
Pueblo to work. On a typical day she would not return home until 7:00 
p.m. and always made sure she had enough groceries to feed the family. 
Often her children would find her up in the middle of night fixing 
dolls or clothing, trying to earn extra money for the family.
  At age 93, Alberta has no plans to slow down any time soon. 
Incredibly, she has won more than 80 medals in soccerkicks, 
shuffleboard and many more events in the New Mexico Senior Olympics. 
Today, Alberta prepares for her 5th National Senior Olympics and hopes 
to add a second Gold medal to her collection.
  It is clear that Alberta's zest for life is endless and her 
dedication to her family is one of a kind. She reminds us to cherish 
our family, fight for those we love, and continue to strive for 
excellence in all that we do. Alberta is truly a remarkable woman, and 
I join all her family and friends in celebrating her accomplishments.

                          ____________________