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2023 SESSION


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 86
Celebrating the life of Viviana Oxlaj Pérez.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, January 12, 2023

 

WHEREAS, Viviana Oxlaj Pérez, a beloved mother of six who brought comfort and relief to many over the years by providing homemade food and refreshments at locations throughout Arlington, died on August 1, 2022; and

WHEREAS, after moving to the United States from Guatemala, Viviana Oxlaj Pérez helped to support her family by selling food and drinks out of coolers that she transported around Arlington on the back of a large cargo tricycle; and

WHEREAS, as a longtime fixture at Thomas Jefferson Park in Arlington Heights, Viviana Oxlaj Pérez came into contact with many individuals and families who were grateful for her service and who will feel her absence from the park for a long time to come; and

WHEREAS, Viviana Oxlaj Pérez could often be seen traveling with her goods for sale, making her a recognizable presence in the neighborhood and earning her a reputation as a hard worker with a strong and indefatigable character; and

WHEREAS, despite modest means, Viviana Oxlaj Pérez regularly donated home-cooked tamales during teacher appreciation weeks at schools throughout Arlington and often provided customers who were in need with food free of charge; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to the inspiration that others drew from Viviana Oxlaj Pérez, a GoFundMe account established to help her family return her remains to Guatemala surpassed $30,000 in a matter of days; and

WHEREAS, Viviana Oxlaj Pérez will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her loving husband, her children and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Viviana Oxlaj Pérez, a treasured member of the Arlington community whose kind and generous spirit touched countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Viviana Oxlaj Pérez as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for her memory.