[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. MELANY REIS-ABERNATHY

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                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. 
Melany Reis-Abernathy, who sadly passed away on March 18, 2017 after a 
long battle with cancer.
  Mrs. Melany Reis-Abernathy was born in Modesto, California on March 
27, 1973. Growing up, Melany was the daughter of a dairyman and a 
District 5 Dairy Princess. She attended California Polytechnic State 
University, San Luis Obispo, where she graduated in 1996, and went on 
to work in the agriculture industry with the Farm Credit system and 
later at Rabobank North America Wholesale as a financial analyst.
  An avid adventure seeker, Melany met her husband, Kevin Abernathy, 
while in a martial arts class in 1999. The two became quick friends due 
to their active lifestyles and similar upbringings in the dairy 
community and began dating soon after meeting. Melany and Kevin got 
married on June 17, 2003 in Kauai, Hawaii at Ship Wreck Beach and made 
their home in Delhi, California. Kevin and Melany enjoyed water skiing, 
boating, hiking, running, and snow skiing together. Although the two 
never had children of their own, Melany was known and loved by her 
nieces and nephews as the ``cool aunt''.
  Known for her dedicated service, Melany and Kevin began working with 
disadvantaged children through Aspiring Children for Tomorrow, an 
organization of which her husband serves as general manager. The goal 
of the organization is to assist struggling young people through 
training and competition in the fighting arts.
  Mrs. Reis-Abernathy became a yoga instructor while battling cancer, 
showing her strength and resolve even in the face of adversity. Melany 
had the strength to continue fighting this disease and living her life 
with love and joy, as she always had. She truly lived every moment to 
the fullest.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Melany Reis-
Abernathy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends 
during this difficult time.

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