[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26665]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      HONORING THE LATE GINA VEGA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2000

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today I Honor a devoted wife and mother of 
six, Gina Vega. It is with much sadness that we mark the passing of 
such a great person who graced this world and the lives of all those 
who were close to her, especially her husband Felipe.
  Gina exemplified compassion, family values, and dedication. She 
gleamed with joy at the thought of her children and would go to the 
ends of the earth to ensure their security and comfort. She never 
questioned the needs of others and was always willing to help out 
wherever she could. She was and will remain such a tremendous person in 
our thoughts and in our memories.
  Gina was never the type of parent to push her children, but instead 
offer her support. Her eldest child, Raquel, blind from birth, was 
blessed with a voice from heaven and has used that voice for the good 
or her culture. Since the age of 14, Raquel has been singing with the 
Inland Empire Mariachi Youth Foundation and has plans to someday teach 
children just like herself. Raquel could not have done this without the 
devotion of her mother. Gina devoted her time and efforts to the 
success of her daughter as well as the success of the group.
  This past May, in an effort to expose Washington to the culture of 
Mariachi music as well as provide an opportunity for the children to 
experience our Nation's Capitol, I brought these talented children here 
to Washington, DC. Gina gave up her opportunity to go on the trip so 
she could stay at home to take care of her other children and prepare 
the group for their journey.
  This is exactly the type of person Gina was. She never complained and 
was willing to give up large portions of herself to the needs of her 
children as well as the needs of the entire group as a whole.
  Gina lived a fulfilling life graced by her husband and her children. 
Not only was she blessed with Raquel, but she was blessed with five 
other children that are just as talented and beautiful as the first. 
Vanessa--age 16, Tatiana--age 14, the twins Felipe and David--age 11, 
and the youngest Steven--age 5, all stand as a reminder of the 
excellence and selflessness that was Gina.
  I join with all of those who loved Gina in extending our prayers to 
the family and hope they find peace and comfort during this time of 
sorrow.
  God Bless.

                          ____________________