[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 27, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2187-S2188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MARY CECILE BARRETO

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I honor Mary Cecile Barreto on the 
celebration of her 100th birthday.
  Mary Cecile Barreto was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada 
on April 19, 1922. Seeking new opportunities, she and her parents moved 
to Miami, FL, in 1925. She attended Gesu Catholic School, joined 
several school clubs, was crowned Miss Gesu, and met Roger Barreto, her 
high school sweetheart whom she married after graduation.
  Cecile worked as a secretary at the Pan American Airlines Seaplane 
Terminal in Miami before giving birth to seven sons and four daughters. 
Her children were raised with both her Canadian roots, as well as her 
husband's Hispanic upbringing. French and Spanish were regularly spoken 
throughout their home.
  Cecile made time for each of her children and made them feel special. 
She is a kind listener who is always there for them, no matter how busy 
their days are. Under her guidance, her children grew up to become a 
Miami Beach Police chief, real estate agents, Super Bowl host committee 
chairs, and a Miami-Dade Rescue deputy chief.

[[Page S2188]]

  In her free time, Cecile participates in the Miami Herald's write-in 
competitions, answering numerous topics and writing jingles. She has 
won many prizes for her answers to the competitions and even donated a 
trip to Washington, DC, to her sister for her honeymoon.
  During the holidays, it is not uncommon for 40 or more people to 
gather in her home to celebrate. Cecile invited not only family and 
friends, but also those who may not have a place to be or anyone to 
spend time with.
  Cecile has lived a full life and has made countless differences for 
her community over the past 100 years. My wife Jeanette and I offer our 
best wishes to Cecile and hope the coming year will bring her much 
happiness and good health. May God bless her and her family during this 
time of celebration.

                          ____________________