[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 176 (Wednesday, October 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE REMARKABLE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ELVIRA ``VERA'' TAMARGO 
                                 GARCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2023

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and memory of Elvira ``Vera'' Tamargo Garcia, who passed away at the 
age of 88 on August 8, 2023. She was a lifelong Tampa native and 
devoted teacher who dedicated her life to civic service. Vera's 
contributions and tireless dedication to the Tampa Bay community will 
forever be remembered.
  Vera embodied the true spirit of public service, exemplifying the 
values of compassion, dedication and mentorship. Throughout her 48-year 
career as a teacher at Broward, Ballast Point and Mendenhall elementary 
schools, she left a mark on hundreds of students she taught, their 
parents, and new teachers she mentored. Throughout her career, Vera 
taught in every elementary grade. Her passion was for early childhood 
education, and she played an important role in launching kindergarten 
instruction in Hillsborough County schools. Her talent and experience 
as an educator were evident in the numerous accomplishments she 
achieved. Vera's recognitions included Florida's Outstanding Young 
Educator in 1966 and was ranked fourth at the national level.
  She attended the University of Tampa for her bachelor's degree and 
subsequently earned a master's degree from the University of South 
Florida. In her classroom, Vera strived to teach her students the 
values of respect and friendship along with phonics and counting, and 
her selfless service is manifested in the good principles of my Tampa 
Bay neighbors. Her tenacious determination as an instructor to future 
generations shaped much of her perspective and identity, but her work 
as a caregiver extended beyond the classroom.
  Many knew Vera for her work advocating for Tampa's Latino heritage, 
protecting and preserving the Centro Asturiano de Tampa's original 
cemetery and its 121-year-old building. Vera took the role of president 
for the historic social club for immigrants and their descendants, 
making her the first woman to hold that position at the ``Centro.'' She 
and her husband, attorney William F. ``Willie'' Garcia, devoted their 
later years to the preservation of the ``Centro.'' Earlier in their 
lives, Vera and Willie were active in state and local politics, running 
campaigns, attending rallies and always supporting Democratic 
candidates at the local, state and federal levels. At home, they would 
adorn Christmas gifts with handmade themed ornaments that they would 
spend months creating. Their marriage was filled with love and support 
for each other, accompanied by humor that made their bond stronger.
  The eldest of three girls, Vera was born to Francisco ``Pancho'' and 
Honorina ``Nora'' Tamargo. She and her two sisters, Junis and Sandra, 
shared a room as children and their lives as adults. Her devotion to 
her family was shown in her commitment to spend Christmas together with 
her two sisters and cousin Mary Louise. Vera was beloved by her many 
nieces, nephews and cousins who could call or stop by her home to say 
hello, help with a chore, or take her to a family gathering.
  For her two sons, William and Joseph, Vera was that unshakable 
support who got them where they needed to pursue their interests from 
swim meets to Scouting camping trips. Her grandchildren called her 
``Bueli'', and they will remember her love and the way she lit up just 
hearing their voices.
  Vera is survived by her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and 
many loved ones to whom I extend my deepest sympathies. She will be 
remembered not only for her many years of selfless service, but also 
for her genuine compassion and kindness.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Vera's 
family and friends. She impacted the lives of countless members of the 
Tampa Bay community and her steadfast leadership and patient mentorship 
undeniably enhanced the lives of my neighbors. Tampa Bay is grateful 
for her contributions and the legacy she leaves.

                          ____________________