[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF MAY YING MARY YANG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of 
May Ying Mary Yang of Merced, California who passed away on November 
22, 2015, at the age of 69. Mrs. Yang's family and friends will miss 
her greatly as she dedicated her life to assisting those she met and 
always strived to make a difference in the community.
  May Ying Mary Yang was born on October 1, 1946 in Xieng Khouang, 
Laos. When she was 15 years old, she married a military man, Ge Paul 
Yang, whom she would spend the rest of her life with. In 1975, the Yang 
family made the decision to flee from the war in Vietnam with their 8 
children in order to seek refuge in a refugee camp in Thailand, prior 
to immigrating to the United States. When they arrived to the refugee 
camp, the Yang family had no money or food for their children and faced 
numerous hardships. Additionally, while living in the refugee camp, the 
family witnessed many children dying from malnutrition and diseases. It 
goes without saying that Mrs. Yang overcame many struggles in her life 
and managed to persevere in order to provide her family with a safe 
future lifestyle.
  Throughout her life, Mrs. Yang touched many lives. Her commitment to 
her husband, Ge Paul Yang played a huge role in his career. Further, 
Mrs. Yang was known as an intelligent woman with a big heart, who was 
compassionate and always encouraging. She actively made a difference in 
her community alongside her husband, preparing meals, planning 
community events, and engaging in social work. The Yang family did this 
as a means to maintain a strong Hmong group within the community.
  Mrs. Yang's work led to more Hmong individuals believing in the 
concept of ``giving more than what one is called upon to give.'' Her 
work was instrumental to the development of the belief that women 
should be equal and that equality is not based on gender. These beliefs 
were instilled in Mrs. Yang's children and she always encouraged them 
to succeed.
  Further, the dedication Mrs. Yang had to serving her community; her 
integrity, honor, and long service to the Central Valley made her a 
cherished figure. Her commitment to family and to her community will 
forever live in the lives of the people she touched. It is my honor to 
join Mrs. Yang's family in celebrating a life that will never be 
forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a great 
woman of tireless service and dedication to her community. Mrs. Yang's 
memory will live on through her family and be remembered by our entire 
community.

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