Discussion · House of Representatives
Teresa Leger Fernandez Democrat
“I am honoring Catherine Garduno, who recently died at 96. She was a longtime elementary schoolteacher in New Mexico, raised six children on her own, and spent her life serving her community.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Catherine Garduno who recently passed away in Penasco, New Mexico, at the age of 96. Catherine embodied resilience, faith, service, and love of country. The youngest of 12 children born to a sheepherder and a cook, she became her family’s first college graduate, earning an education degree from the College of St. Joseph in Albuquerque. A letter to Senator Pete Domenici brought her to our Nation’s Capital, an experience she shared throughout her 35 years as an elementary schoolteacher. She even taught my district director in third grade. Widowed, Catherine raised six children with strength and devotion. A devout Catholic, she received the Archbishop of Santa Fe’s St. Francis Award for Volunteer of the Year. Her legacy passed down through her nephew, the late Raul Grijalva, and her great-niece, Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. Her courage, faith, hope, and love shaped generations.”
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Catherine Garduno who recently passed away in Penasco, New Mexico, at the age of 96. Catherine embodied resilience, faith, service, and love of country. The youngest of 12 children born to a sheepherder and a cook, she became her family’s first college graduate, earning an education degree from the College of St. Joseph in Albuquerque. A letter to Senator Pete Domenici brought her to our Nation’s Capital, an experience she shared throughout her 35 years as an elementary schoolteacher. She even taught my district director in third grade. Widowed, Catherine raised six children with strength and devotion. A devout Catholic, she received the Archbishop of Santa Fe’s St. Francis Award for Volunteer of the Year. Her legacy passed down through her nephew, the late Raul Grijalva, and her great-niece, Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. Her courage, faith, hope, and love shaped generations.