[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MS. FATIMA SOARES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SAM T. LICCARDO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2026

  Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Ms. Fatima Soares, who passed away on June 14, 2026. For more than 
four decades, Soares dedicated her career to Coastside Hope, where she 
served with kindness, generosity, humility, and an unwavering 
commitment to the community. She rooted her leadership in compassion, 
service, and a deep belief in the dignity of every person.
  Born on April 2, 1954, in the Azores, Soares immigrated from Portugal 
to the United States in 1969. Her family first settled on her aunt's 
farm in Brentwood, California, before moving to Half Moon Bay. Soares 
graduated from Half Moon Bay High School and later attended San 
Francisco State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in 
Social Work.
  Soares began her career at the Coastside Opportunity Center as a 
secretary and then as a social worker. She eventually became the 
organization's executive director, playing an integral role in its 
transition from the Coastside Opportunity Center to Coastside Hope. 
During some of the organization's most difficult financial times, 
Soares made courageous and thoughtful decisions, carrying the 
organization through hardship without sacrificing its mission to 
``enhance the quality of life for all of our neighbors.'' Even after 
long workdays, Soares volunteered at the local RotaCare Clinic, helping 
ensure that community members without insurance could access the health 
care they needed.
  Those who knew Soares remember her as soft-spoken, thoughtful, and 
deeply attentive. She was a leader who listened with patience, and 
responded with wisdom, not judgment. She gave with a heart that asked 
for nothing in return. Because of her, Coastside Hope is stronger and 
the community is kinder.
  While Soares' professional accomplishments were remarkable, she also 
found joy in reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. 
Whether sharing coffee with her sisters or cheering with her great-
nieces and great-nephews at sporting events, Soares treasured the 
simple moments spent with the people she loved most.
  Soares is survived by her sisters, Rosa Avila and Orlanda Soares; her 
nephew, James Avila; her nieces, Cassie Avila-Rotondo and Jessica 
Avila; her great-nieces, Abigail and Sadie Sullivan; and her great-
nephew, Walker Sullivan. She was preceded in death by her parents, 
Antonio and Leontina Soares, and her brother, Tony Soares.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Fatima Soares, whose 
life's work remains woven into the heart of the Coastside community. 
May her generosity, kindness, and courage remind us that leadership can 
be both strong and tender.

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