[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 17, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING PATTY SIMONIAN IN CELEBRATION OF HER 75TH BIRTHDAY

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Mrs. Patty 
Simonian's 75th birthday. Patty is a beloved mother, grandmother, 
godmother and friend to many.
  Patty Simonian was born in Merced, California to John and Mary Costa. 
She attended Central Union High School, where she met her high school 
sweetheart, Peter Simonian. They would be married on August 26, 1961.
  In 1971, Pete and Patty decided to go into farming for themselves, 
forming P. Simonian Farms. The third generation family-run farm was 
passed down from Patty's grandfather. Patty is proud to be one of few 
female organic growers in California. She was quoted as saying, ``. . . 
I'm outside working, irrigating and doing everything that's necessary 
on the ranch, with the help of my children''.
  Patty is the proud mother of three children Talbert, Nanette and 
Peter John. She is also blessed with five grandchildren, Matthew, 
Jerad, Kylie, Kassidy and Caydin.
  Patty is a loving and generous mother to her children and was very 
active in their lives when they were in school. She is now playing a 
similar role with her beloved grandchildren. Patty's family is the 
greatest source of love and pride in her life.
  Patty and her husband Peter were active members of the Cabrillo Club, 
a Portuguese civic club that is dedicated to civic progress of 
Californians of Portuguese descent. Patty currently serves as the 
President of the Fresno chapter, a position her husband also held from 
1997 through 2000.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that Patty's 75th birthday is an 
especially significant occasion, as Patty is my first cousin. In 
keeping with the Portuguese Catholic tradition, she is also my 
godmother.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Patty Simonian as 
she celebrates her 75th birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing her 
and her family continued health and happiness.

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