[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING BERTHA MAZON'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2025

  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable 
constituent from my district, Bertha Mazon, to celebrate her 100th 
birthday.
  On April 5, 1925, Bertha Martinez was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. 
She immigrated to Arizona when she was just 11 months old. After 
graduating from Phoenix Union High School in 1943, she went on to work 
for the Department of Economic Security, starting as an employment 
office manager where she helped countless Arizonans acquire jobs. She 
then went on to be a legislative liaison within the Department for over 
45 years. Bertha's guiding mission in this role was to give back to the 
community, which she did through obtaining lost employment checks, food 
stamps, veteran claims, and other benefits. Legislators and 
constituents alike came to know her as ``the Angel of DES''.
  Since the 1970's, Bertha provided countless resources for the Valley 
through her involvement in Las Damas del Valle, the oldest Latina 
volunteer organization in Arizona for which Bertha was one of the first 
members. Through this organization, Bertha did door-to-door education 
to eradicate Tuberculosis, supported the local South Phoenix Boy Scout 
troop with supplies, and acted as an auxiliary volunteer for the County 
Hospital before it opened in 1970.
  Bertha devoted her life to creating opportunities for the people of 
Arizona and continues to empower the Latino community through education 
and service. Beyond her career, she is also a skilled painter, once 
earning a recognition that resulted in her work being displayed in the 
U.S. Capitol building. She is also a life-long-learner, an amazing 
cook, and secret comedian with a knack for bilingual jokes.
  As we celebrate this incredible 100 years Bertha has lived, we 
reflect on the many achievements that have shaped her life. Through it 
all, her love for her family has been a constant source of strength and 
joy. Married for over 60 years, she raised 4 children--Mark, Sonja, 
Frankie, and Linda, and her family continues to grow.
  Bertha has also faced profound loss, including the loss of her son 
Frankie when he was just 17. His spirit lives on through the 
generations of the Mazon family. Her deep love for her family and 
support for her community is a constant source of inspiration to all 
who know her.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the many contributions Ms. 
Mazon has provided for our community and celebrate this incredible 
milestone by wishing her a happy 100th birthday.

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