[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2614-2615]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING AMELIA M. ORTIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, on January 13, 2003, a woman whom I was 
personally very close to, Amelia Martinez Ortiz passed away, leaving 
behind a legacy of service to the community. I rise today to honor the 
impressive contributions Amelia Martinez Ortiz made to her community 
and to this nation.
  Amelia M. Ortiz was born in Mason City, Arizona, on February 9, 1929. 
She lived for over 48 years at the same house on Shadydale Avenue in 
the City of La Puente, in the San Gabriel Valley of California.
  With the passing of her beloved husband, Jesus Ortiz, 27 years ago, 
Amelia became the sole provider for her family. Armed with only a 
second grade education, she was able to provide for her children--
Martha, Andres, Diana, and Gloria--through her gift with the needle and 
thread. As a seamstress, Amelia created many wonderful designs, 
bringing joy to her clients, including myself. She helped them prepare 
for some of the most important days of their lives, like their weddings 
and quinceaneras. With her tenacity and talent, Amelia's success as an 
entrepreneur helped open doors for other Latinas throughout the 
community during a time when very few role models existed.
  In addition, Amelia was a long-standing, dedicated parishioner of the 
St. Louis of France Catholic Church in La Puente. She was a member of 
the Legion of Mary, participating and organizing events that recognized 
the contributions of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Amelia also helped the 
parish raise funds for community events and assisted in organizing the 
traveling Virgin Mary for all in the community to enjoy.
  Although Amelia has passed, her spirit remains in my heart and in 
many others. Through her dedication, hard work, and commitment to 
overcoming overwhelming obstacles in the hopes of providing for her 
family and community, Amelia Ortiz exemplified all that is possible in 
our country. A wife, a mother to four, a grandmother to 13, a great-
grandmother to one, a friend to many, and my madrina (godmother), 
Amelia M. Ortiz will be greatly missed.

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