[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24043]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO HORTENSIA ``GUERA'' ABRIL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california-

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2008

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor a loving mother, 
supportive wife, adoring grandmother and doting great-grandmother, 
Hortensia ``Guera'' Abril.
  Born in Nuevo Leon, Monterey, Mexico, she eventually moved to Colton, 
California where she grew up to become a longstanding, influential 
member of the community. A fulfilled homemaker thanks to her care, 
compassion and love for her family, Guera also proudly belonged to 
Colton's San Salvador Catholic Church. In addition to supporting her 
husband, Ray ``Sonny'' Abril, who served on the Colton School Board for 
many years, she too played an active role in the community as a 
longtime PTA member, well-respected and loved by all.
  In addition to being survived by her husband Sonny of 53 years, her 
memory will be carried on by her three sons, Nick, Michael (Stella) and 
Dominic; her three daughters, Melinda Medina (Mike), Becky Gonzales 
(Reuben) and Nellie Carners (Joe); and one brother, Norberto Gasca. 
Guera will be sorely missed by 19 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren 
and many nieces, nephews and friends as well.
  As a longtime friend of Ray's, I would like to express my greatest 
sympathies for his family's loss. She meant everything in the world to 
him and will truly be missed. Let us take a moment to remember this 
great woman and her admirable dedication to instilling positive change 
and leading an exemplarily life, one whose footsteps we all hope to 
follow. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I 
are with his family at this time.
  God Bless Hortensia ``Guera'' Abril for love of country and mankind.

                          ____________________