[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10948]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ROSEANN BURKART SERRANO

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 14, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
achievements of Mrs. RoseAnn Burkart Serrano. Mrs. Serrano dedicated 
her life to serving her family and her community. She was a volunteer, 
member, manager, board member, and president of many organizations, 
both in Le Grand and in the surrounding areas of Chowchilla, Merced, 
Fresno, Mariposa, and Planada. Mrs. Serrano is a shining example of 
what it means to make a difference in the world, and she serves as a 
model of determination and selflessness for all who knew her.
  Born in Fresno, Mrs. Serrano graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High 
School in 1962 before earning a degree in Liberal Studies from Fresno 
City College. Mrs. Serrano continued her education at California State 
University, Fresno, where she was a music and history major. At Fresno 
State, Mrs. Serrano served as the district secretary for the college 
Catholic organization and met her future husband, David Serrano, 
through her membership in the Newman Club at the St. Paul Newman 
Center. After their marriage, Mrs. Serrano began working with her 
husband at his agricultural business, and she soon became an integral 
part of Serrano Farms. Besides being a full-time homemaker and mother, 
Mrs. Serrano irrigated, ran machinery in their almond orchards and 
cotton fields, and managed the farm's business records and payroll.
  In addition to her role at Serrano Farms, Mrs. Serrano was active in 
numerous organizations, such as California Women for Agriculture, USDA 
Farm Services Agency Committee, the National Federation of Independent 
Business, and the Plainsburg Elementary School Board. Mrs. Serrano also 
volunteered in more local settings, from planning the Le Grand 
Community Day and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Dinner, to serving on the 
Plainsburg Election Board and helping the Plainsburg Library. 
Additionally, Mrs. Serrano was a regular accompanist and choir singer 
at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she became the local go-
to pianist and organist for weddings and funerals.
  Mrs. Serrano was recognized for her accomplishments and service on 
numerous occasions. In 1994, she and her husband were awarded the State 
of California Governor's Small Business Award for Small Business Person 
of the Year. In 2008, they were also recognized as Le Grand Community 
Day Citizens of the Year. In 2014, the California Agricultural 
Leadership Foundation at California State University, Fresno selected 
Mrs. Serrano as a ``Common Threads Honoree,'' honoring her for 
community service and philanthropic endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life 
and achievements of Mrs. RoseAnn Burkart Serrano. The Merced community 
mourns Mrs. Serrano's passing, but rejoices in her lasting impact and 
legacy. She could always tell when someone needed her help or a smile, 
and she was always willing to extend her hand in friendship and open 
her heart with compassion. Her wisdom, mentorship, and persevering 
spirit continue to inspire her family and countless others to strive 
for excellence and serve their communities.

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