[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          REMEMBERING ISIDORO, SHIRLEY, AND JEFFREY GREENBLUM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 12, 2023

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of 
several members of the Greenblum family of South Texas. Over the past 
14 months, South Texas lost three members of this beloved family, all 
who made a deep impact on our community. Isidoro Irving Greenblum, 
Shirley Jean Katz Greenblum, and Jeffrey Lee Greenblum will all be 
greatly missed.
  Isidoro Irving ``Pancho'' Greenblum lived life by one of his favorite 
dichos--``Que mala hiebra nunca muere''--``A tough weed always 
survives.'' He was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and later raised in 
Laredo, Texas, and he was proud to be a citizen of ``Los Dos Laredos.'' 
He worked for his family's successful furniture business in Nuevo 
Laredo while also serving as a member of the International Bank of 
Commerce's Board of Director for 40 years. His command of both Spanish 
and English and his tendency to treat everyone he met like family made 
him an invaluable member of the board, and he traveled extensively to 
Mexico and throughout Texas to form relationships with customers.
  Shirley Jeannne Katz Greenblum was known for the warmth she radiated 
in everything she did and was dedicated to her family and community. As 
the mother of four sons, she undoubtedjy had her hands full, but she 
built a home that was nurturing and open to all, with her children 
having fond memories of their mother hosting their friends for 
refreshments almost daily.
  Shirley and Isidoro were loving life partners, sharing 72 years of 
marriage after meeting while in school at the University of Texas. 
Together in Laredo, they raised their sons, Jeff, Gary, Brad, and 
Robbie. They were also proud and adoring grandparents and great-
grandparents.
  Shirley and Isidoro shared a passion for charity and volunteering. 
Isidoro was the Founding Board Member and served as the first President 
of the Laredo Area Community Foundation, with the goal of making local 
charitable giving easy. He served on the board of several other 
charitable organizations, including for the Jewish community he was 
dedicated to, and created a scholarship at his high school alma mater 
for immigrant students attending college. Although Shirley was born and 
raised in Dallas, she made Laredo her home and gave back to the 
community through several organizations like the Laredo Art League, the 
Laredo Children's Museum, and more.
  Jeffrey Lee Greenblum, known as Jeff, was a proud son and brother, 
and a proud father himself to his son William ``Billy'' Greenblum. He 
graduated from his parents' alma mater and went on to get a law degree 
from Southern Methodist University. Jeff found success in both business 
and public service, serving as a senior executive for an oil and gas 
company, a mining company, and a natural resource consultancy and 
serving his country during the George H.W. Bush Administration at the 
Departments of Energy and Commerce.
  Isidoro, Shirley, and Jeff leave behind a lasting legacy in South 
Texas, and the love they had for each other, and their family will 
never be forgotten.

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