[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARY LOUISE ORTA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2024

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mary 
Louise Orta as her family gathers to remember her life and the many 
people she touched along the way.
  Mary Louise Orta was the matriarch of the Orta Family. She was born 
in New Braunfels, Texas on November 13, 1931. She met and married 
Albert Orta in 1949 and began their life together in Texas before 
moving to California in 1973.
  Mrs. Orta was a military spouse who exemplified the virtues of 
family, commitment, and service. She supported her husband Albert's 
career as he served our nation in the United States Air Force, then as 
an employee of the Department of Defense while traveling to several 
countries until his retirement in 1980. During this time, Mary remained 
home and continued her own life of service by supporting his career and 
raising their 12 children.
  In 1981, at age 50, as her youngest child entered kindergarten, Mrs. 
Orta joined the workforce volunteering at the local school. Soon 
thereafter, she was hired by the Elk Grove Unified School District as a 
full-time employee at Valley High School in Sacramento County where she 
remained until her retirement in 2001. She was a tireless contributor 
to her school community, always first to volunteer and never wavered 
when asked to help. Throughout her twenty-year career, Mrs. Orta 
received several recognitions and was honored by the California State 
Senate and at districtwide ceremonies for her many contributions to 
staff, school administration, and students at Valley High School.
  Mary Orta was a remarkable woman. She was a loving and devoted wife, 
mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed the simple 
pleasures of life, finding joy in the company of family and close 
friends. She proudly walked with school administration at high school 
graduations, supported her children and grandchildren at events and 
family gatherings. Her unwavering love for those she cared for was her 
driving force and her faith, kindness and compassion will undoubtedly 
be a continuing source of strength for her family.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mary Louise 
Orta as her family gathers to honor her incredible life and legacy.

                          ____________________