HOUSE MEMORIAL 69

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Sheryl Williams Stapleton

A MEMORIAL

EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF ADELINA "LENA" OCHOA.

     WHEREAS, Adelina "Lena" Ochoa passed away on August 25, 2010 in Santa Fe after a valiant battle with cancer; and

     WHEREAS, Lena, who proudly called herself a coal miner's daughter, was born in Madrid, New Mexico, the oldest of the six children of Juan and Sadie Ochoa; and

     WHEREAS, she retired from employment with the state of New Mexico after thirty years of service, which included working at the legislature as the secretary for House Majority Whip Sheryl Williams Stapleton; and

     WHEREAS, although she loved working for the legislature, family was Lena's top priority, and she missed one legislative session to help care for her special needs sister, Annabelle; and

     WHEREAS, she had a special sparkle when she talked about her family, especially her nephews, whom she would escort through the capitol when they came to visit, introducing them to everyone; and

     WHEREAS, she was a strong supporter of workers and unions and stood staunchly with her fellow employees in state government; and

     WHEREAS, she was an active auxiliary member of the veterans of foreign wars and the American legion; and

     WHEREAS, she was always smiling and had many friends, and it was a joy to watch her welcome each friend with a special story; and

     WHEREAS, Lena loved to cook for family and friends and had many hobbies, including her favorite, which was oil painting;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that heartfelt condolences be extended to the family and friends of Adelina "Lena" Ochoa; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the family of Adelina "Lena" Ochoa, a loving and devoted New Mexican.

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