07/27/10 - Remarks submitted for the Congressional Record - Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carol Hartunian Girvetz of Santa Cruz, California. Carol Hartunian Girvetz passed away on July 4th, 2010. Carol will be remembered always as a loving mother, loyal wife, and dedicated citizen committed to her community.

Carol Hartunian Girvetz was born in Hollywood in 1946 to Armenian immigrant parents. She spent her early years as a young adult studying Art and English at UC Santa Barbara. After college, she began her career as a teacher and quickly changed paths upon taking a job with Pan American as a flight attendant. During this time, she worked on many R&R flights tending to soldiers from the Vietnam War as they traveled to meet their loved ones back at home, and then returning them back to the battlefield.

After her days of traveling with Pan American, Carol returned to California to begin her new life as a wife and mother. Carol and her husband George raised their two children, Evan and Shyla in the small town of Freedom in Santa Cruz County. Her connection with the community was immediate as she became enmeshed in the community?s needs. She served on the Women?s Commission and along with several women, started the first shelter for female victims of domestic violence. This achievement would be the first of many in her thirty years of service to Santa Cruz County. Carol most recently retired from the position of Assistant County Administrative Officer, where I had worked with her for years. Carol was known by her colleagues for her strong work ethic, great sense of humor, and devotion to public service. She was an extraordinary person and public employee who will always be remembered and missed by her colleagues.

In addition to her work in public service, Carol was also heavily involved in local fine arts in Santa Cruz. She played a large role in the development of the McPherson Center for Art and History. She also served as a board member for such organizations as United Way of Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, among others. Her hard work has given the community and future generations the opportunity to be immersed in fine arts. Her life is a testament to how the commitment of public service can leave a lasting impact on a community.

Madam Speaker, I ask members of the House to join me in honoring the life of Carol Hartunian Girvetz, and extend our nation?s deepest gratitude to her thirty years of service to her community. Carol lived sixty-four years of life filled with the love of her family, passion for public service and the arts, and will be greatly missed.