[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18869-18870]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            HONORING MARIA MORALES FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 1999

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to stand and honor my 
good friend, Maria Morales who, at the age of 105, passed away July 
27th. Maria was a resident of Casa Otonal, an Hispanic residential and 
service community in New Haven, Connecticut.
  Living for over a century, Maria witnessed many sweeping changes to 
our Nation's history. Born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, she came to 
Connecticut with her son in 1958. For over 20 years she was an active 
and committed member of the Casa Otonal Senior Center--sharing a myriad 
of stories with her many friends and family. I often spoke with Maria 
during my many visits to Casa Otonal. Bright and articulate, she was 
well-versed in

[[Page 18870]]

many areas including politics and had a unique gift for patchwork 
quilts and other hand-crafted specialties. Just this past May, Maria 
participated in the 13th Annual Centenarian Reception and was the 
oldest member of the honored group. ``Maintaining a strong faith and an 
active lifestyle'' was her secret to a long and successful life. With 
five children and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 
Maria's life was full and joyous. It was an honor to have known her.
  Maria Morales was an exceptional woman and I am pleased to stand 
today to pay tribute to my dear friend and join with her daughter, 
Domitila, granddaughter, Carmen, family, friends, and the Casa Otonal 
community as they celebrate her life. Her vitality and spirit continues 
to shine in the many wonderful memories of her that we all share.

                          ____________________