[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 153 (Monday, September 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING RAQUEL GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2017

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of 
Raquel Gonzalez, a business leader, community advocate, and role model 
for young Hispanic women.
  Ms. Gonzalez was born on April 22, 1925 in Tampico, Mexico to Carmen 
and Jose Gonzalez, and was the second of seven children. She would 
attend San Juan Bosco and graduate from St. Augustine High School in 
Laredo, Texas. Ms. Gonzalez would begin her professional career 
directly out of high school at her father's automotive firm, J.B. 
Gonzalez Garage. Here she honed her sharp business skills, strong work 
ethic, community pride, and deep-rooted family values.
  In 1975, Raquel Gonzalez and a group of investors founded the South 
Texas Abstract Company, later known as the Webb County Title and 
Abstract Company. Ms. Gonzalez became one of the nation's first female 
Hispanics to own and manage a successful title company.
  As a strong advocate for education, Ms. Gonzalez ran for a trustee 
position at Laredo Community College in 1980 and served for 28 years 
with distinction. And in 2003, the LCC Trustees unanimously voted to 
name the new Automotive Technology Center in her honor. She would also 
receive countless community service awards during her lifetime 
including: the Congressional Certificate of Merit, Laredo Women's Hall 
of Fame, and Laredo Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the 
Year.
  Throughout Ms. Gonzalez's career and life, her tireless work made 
Laredo a better place for her fellow citizens. She was a friend to all 
and selflessly gave to her community out of the goodness of her heart.
  Raquel is survived by her siblings, Juan G. Gonzalez, Mercedes G. 
McPartland (Robert), sister-in-law Consuelo, nephews, Mariano E. 
Gonzalez (Alma), Jose Mariano Gonzalez (Elia), Guillermo X. Gonzalez 
(Eva), Bryan A. McPartland (Cara), Ricardo Gonzalez (San Juanita), Luis 
A. Gonzalez, David F. Gonzalez (Camilla), and Ruben Gonzalez; nieces, 
Ma. Cristina Gonzalez (Humberto), M. Alexandria ``Alex'' Starnes 
(Melvin), Jenifer M. Shaw (Edward), Griselda G. Palmer, Amparo M. 
Santos (Gerardo), Melissa Gonzalez, Laura M. Matz (Richard), and Elsa 
Gonzalez; and many grand-nephews, grand-nieces, great grand-nephews, 
and great grand-nieces.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Raquel 
Gonzalez.

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