[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4790]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           VIOLA DeLEON MUNOZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2007

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, it is with deep affection that I tribute to 
the life of Viola DeLeon Munoz, long time San Bernardino community 
political leader and dear friend, better known by those who loved her 
as Vi.
  Vi passed away in her Yucaipa home amongst the comfort of her family 
at the age of 75 on February 6, 2007.
  She was born on June 22, 1931 in Houston, TX, but called the Inland 
Empire home for most of her life.
  Vi was a dedicated public servant. She devoted herself to advancing 
her community, fighting injustice, and engaging herself politically by 
supporting Democratic and Latino candidates.
  I still remember meeting with her, the day she and her husband Jess 
developed the Latino Chicano Democratic Club.
  Vi's involvement with Democratic clubs, voter registration and her 
passion for improving the lives of Latinos in the Inland Empire are 
just a few areas in which she inspired those of us who know her.
  Vi was also a business woman and financier for 37 years. The business 
that she and Jess owned earned her the recognition as one of the most 
successful business partners in the area and was the catalyst for Vi's 
commitment to the betterment of her community. It also served as the 
central point within the community, where many local leaders discussed 
political, economic, and social issues.
  Some of her many accomplishments include: President and member of the 
65th Assembly District committee, vice-chairwoman of the party's 
Chicano-Latino Caucus, and member of the San Bernardino County 
Democratic Central Committee since 1996.
  Vi was also the founding member of the Yucaipa Democratic Club, the 
Comision Femenil Mexicana Nacional, and the Chicana Service Action 
Center.
  She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jesus (Jess) Munoz, Sr., 
sons Jesus Munoz, Jr., and Kenneth Munoz, daughter Beverly Munoz, five 
grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
  Vi has left behind a wonderful legacy of community and political 
activism. The many relatives and friends who loved her dearly, know 
that she will be missed. Vi touched us all with her kind deeds and 
leadership in our community.
  My wife Barbara, my family and I extend our deepest condolences to 
Vi's family. May God bestow his comfort upon them at this time.

                          ____________________