[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING MRS. MARIA RODRIGUEZ MENA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 20, 2024

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. 
Maria Rodriguez Mena, who passed away on July 1, 2024. Maria Rodriguez 
Mena was born in Aquila, Michoacan, on December 27, 1958, to Maria and 
Severo Rodriguez. At the age of 15, she moved to the United States with 
her parents and siblings, where they settled in Visalia. She later 
graduated from the College of the Sequoias. Mrs. Mena began her career 
in broadcasting at KQIQ radio station, initially working in promotions. 
She later hosted her own show, ``Mujer a Mujer,'' where she offered 
advice on relationships to her listeners. In 1986, Mrs. Mena married 
Patricio Mena, a local realtor and owner of Studio 45. After her time 
at KQIQ, she transitioned into real estate herself, becoming a well-
known and respected realtor within the Latino community. Throughout her 
career, she was passionate about helping families find their ideal 
homes. In 2007, she and her husband remodeled Studio 45 and opened 
Giovanni's Pizzeria and Arcade. Mrs. Mena was deeply committed to 
helping improve the lives of others in the Porterville community. She 
was an active participant in Encuentro Matrimonial, helping couples to 
resolve their issues. She also served as president of both the Exchange 
Club and the Southeastern Tulare County Republican Women. She graduated 
from Leadership Porterville and was a member of the Zonta Club of 
Porterville. Mrs. Mena was a dedicated parishioner at Holy Cross 
Church. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and 
playing golf with friends. Mrs. Mena will be remembered for her 
kindness, empathy, and passion for the well-being of the Porterville 
community. She is survived by her husband Patricio and their three 
children, Pierre, Bonita and Giovanni.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mrs. Maria Rodriguez 
Mena. Her dedication to the Porterville community will be felt for 
generations to come.

                          ____________________