HONORING THE 106TH BIRTHDAY OF MARIA M. CASAS

On 2026-09-02, Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 106TH BIRTHDAY OF MARIA M. CASAS" in the House.

HONORING THE 106TH BIRTHDAY OF MARIA M. CASAS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E850-E851] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 106TH BIRTHDAY OF MARIA M. CASAS ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Maria M. Casas, lovingly known by her family as ``Nana,'' and to commemorate her 106th birthday. Born on September 14, 1920, in Benavides, Texas, to parents Porfirio and Santos Mendez, Maria is the oldest of five children. From her early days in Los Horcones Ranch, she learned the values that would guide her throughout her life: faith, hard work, devotion to family, and generosity toward others. [[Page E851]] Mrs. Casas met her husband, Victoriano Casas, at a church festival in Benavides. Together, they built a loving home and raised five children: Hilda Doris, Norma, Maria Isabel, Victoriano Jr., and Jose Daniel. Over the years, their family has grown to include 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Mrs. Casas has the remarkable privilege of witnessing the strength of the family she helped build across many generations. Mrs. Casas has also spent a lifetime sharing her talents with her community. Whether sewing and quilting, tending her garden, baking and cooking for those she loves, or preparing Pan de Campo with her husband and family for local festivals, she finds joy in bringing people together. A lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters at Saint Francis de Paula Catholic Church, she faithfully supports her parish through quilt donations, fundraising, and service. For 106 years, Mrs. Casas has shown what it means to live a life grounded in faith, strengthened by family, and enriched by service to others. Her long life is not only an extraordinary milestone, but a tremendous blessing. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Mrs. Maria M. Casas on the joyous occasion of her 106th birthday. I join her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends in celebrating a truly remarkable life, and I wish ``Nana'' continued blessings, happiness, and the love of her family as they honor this very special day. ____________________