Congresswoman Laura Richardson Honors the Life of Ramona Hahn

Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to rise today to inform the House of the death of Mrs. Ramona Hahn. The wife of legendary Los Angeles County supervisor Kenneth Hahn, Ramona was the proud matriarch of a family whose members have devoted their lives to public service. Ramona Hahn passed away on Monday morning at the age of 86--a mere day before her daughter Janice was elected to join us in this body, representing California's 36th Congressional District. My deepest condolences go out to our new colleague, Congresswoman Janice Hahn, and the entire Hahn family, as they mourn the loss of a devoted wife and loving mother. Ramona was a great lady; she was my friend.

Born to American missionaries in Tokyo, Japan, Ramona Hahn was a service-minded individual who committed her life to God and family. Ramona has been described by her children as the ''driving force'' behind their family of public servants. She worked hand in hand with her husband as he fought to improve the lives of his constituents. She provided strength and support as he took bold stands for civil rights, including the decision to greet Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at LAX when he visited Los Angeles in 1961. He was the only elected official from California to do so. This act of political courage has never been forgotten, but is in keeping with the character and commitment that has been the hallmark of the Hahn family for more than a half century.

Ramona's community involvement and selfless attitude was a powerful example for her two children. Her son James Hahn has served as Los Angeles City Controller, Los Angeles City Attorney, and Mayor of Los Angeles, and is currently a judge on the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Her daughter Janice Hahn has served in the Los Angeles City Council and on the Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission, which modernized Los Angeles city government, making it more responsive to the city's diversity and challenges. In the coming days, she will be sworn in on the House floor.

I know that the entire Hahn family wishes that Ramona could have lived to see her daughter sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. For Janice, the loss of her mother must make this monumental achievement bittersweet. However, I hope that Janice and her family can take comfort in the knowledge that their mother's loving spirit lives on through the lives that she touched and the good works that Janice will do in this body.

I ask all Members to join me in a moment of silence in honor of the memory of the late Ramona Hahn.