[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 99 (Thursday, June 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E775-E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SENORA DONA CRUZ CORTEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2019

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of Senora 
Dona Cruz Cortez, who passed away on May 30, 2019 at the age of 98. 
Senora Cortez hails from my hometown of San Antonio, Texas and is 
survived by four generations of Cortez family members. An 
entrepreneurial icon, her impact in our community is unparalleled after 
decades of work that has contributed to the overall success of San 
Antonio's economy, tourism, and workforce. She will be greatly missed.
  Senora Cortez was born on May 2, 1921 near the banks of San Pedro 
Creek. Senora Cortez started from humble beginnings but held strong 
convictions from the beginning of the importance of family, culture and 
community.

[[Page E776]]

  In 1941, shortly after marrying her husband Senor Pedro ``Pete'' 
Cortez, the family opened Mi Tierra Cafe in San Antonio's El Mercado. 
From what began as a small three-table venue, Mi Tierra Cafe grew into 
a well-established community hub.
  After 75 years, Mi Tierra still stands as one of San Antonio's 
cultural institutions. Today, La Familia Cortez Restaurants represent 
iconic local establishments throughout San Antonio and serves thousands 
per year.
  At the age of 90, Senora Dona Cruz Cortez retired from La Familia 
Cortez Restaurants and left the booming family enterprise to her 
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, the San Antonio community mourns the loss of this 
icon. Senora Dona Cruz Cortez embodied the American Dream and its 
impact on San Antonio better than most. She was truly remarkable.
  I am proud to have known her and seen the immeasurable impact her 
warmth, commitment and dedication had on our community. Although we 
have lost a pillar in our community, her legacy will live on.

                          ____________________