[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 148 (Thursday, October 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ELAINE MATZNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 2015

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
the incredible life of a dear friend, Elaine Matzner, who passed away 
on October 3, 2015 at her home in Palm Springs, California, surrounded 
by family. Elaine was a woman full of life and a pillar of the Palm 
Springs community; she will be deeply missed.
  Elaine was born on October 6, 1933 in southern New Jersey to the 
owners of a fruit farm. Desiring a different life from her parents, she 
left the farm choosing to further her education by attending Drexel 
University. It was there that she met her husband Eric. After the 
couple married, settled down and had spent a few years raising a young 
family in New Jersey, Elaine and Eric decided to move their family to 
Southern California. They moved to Hacienda Heights and then later to 
Palm Springs.
  She was a woman of many passions, including business, travel, and 
family. Elaine opened the clothing store La Mariposa in Palm Springs 
with her daughter Lisa and daughter-in-law Diane. After years raising a 
family she wanted to find a new outlet and Elaine enjoyed being a small 
business owner and entrepreneur. La Mariposa imported luxury goods and 
clothing from all over South and Central America. The store became a 
fixture to the residents and tourists of the Palm Springs area.
  Elaine pursued her passion of culture and travel by indulging in 
numerous family trips over the years that included seven African 
safaris, 49 states and over 50 countries. She never let age slow her 
down on any trip. One of her favorite memories was climbing Huayna 
Picchu, in Peru, the cliff above Machu Picchu in the rain, when she was 
65. Elaine took enjoyment from experiencing the new places she visited, 
their unique histories, and their people.
  Elaine's biggest passion throughout her life was her family. She had 
a deep love of her family and involved them in every aspect of her 
life. Elaine took enormous pride in watching the growth and 
achievements of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren 
over the years.
  Elaine is survived by her brother Reed Heritage of Sacramento, 
California; her four children, Bruce, Lisa, Jill and Evan; her five 
grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. I extend my heartfelt 
condolences to the entire Matzner family and friends during this time; 
although Elaine may be gone--the life, energy, and wit that she brought 
to the world remains and will never be forgotten.