[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 97 (Friday, May 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF MS. CAROLINA WINSTON BARRIE

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 2020

  Mr. TED LIEU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 
life of Mrs. Carolina Winston Barrie--a beloved wife, mother, 
grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated advocate for veterans 
from California's 33rd Congressional District. Carolina passed away on 
April 29, 2020 at the age of 92.
  Carolina was born on November 24, 1927 in Los Angeles, California. 
She attended Marlborough School and the University of California, 
Berkeley. She was the epitome of a matriarch and walked through life 
with confidence and strength. Not only was she adored by her family, 
but also by those whose lives she touched.
  She was the great-niece of Arcadia Bandini de Baker, who along with 
United States Senator John Percival Jones, donated the first 300 acres 
that made up the Pacific Branch of the National Home for Disabled 
Volunteer Soldiers and Sailors, now known as the West Los Angeles VA 
campus.
  Carolina and other descendants of Arcadia have for decades tried to 
honor the gift their ancestors so patriotically donated, most recently 
in 2016 by founding the 1887 Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated 
to the physical and spiritual restoration of the five historic 
properties on the West Los Angeles VA campus, including the Wadsworth 
Chapel. Her advocacy for the campus and veterans was unparalleled. In 
addition to overseeing the 1887 Fund, she was an advisor to the 
Veterans and Community Oversight and Engagement Board, a federal 
advisory committee that made recommendations to the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs regarding the West Los Angeles VA Master Plan, as well 
as outreach and services for veterans.
  Carolina was a woman of faith, compassion, intelligence and wit. Her 
legacy, not only for her family, but also to veterans, will forever 
carry on through her efforts to have veterans return to their rightful 
home at the West Los Angeles VA campus. As Carolina once said, ``We 
don't have to go back to 1887 to do right by our veterans.''
  Carolina was predeceased by her husband, George; her three sons: 
Winston, Juan, Matthew; and her daughter, Louisa. She is survived by 
two daughters, Christine and Carolina; six grandchildren; and a great-
grandson. May Carolina's memory be an inspiration and blessing to us 
all.

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