TITLE: In memory of Blanca Sanchez Vela.

SUMMARY: In memory of Blanca Sanchez Vela.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Brownsville in mourning the loss of Blanca Sanchez Vela, who died February 19, 2014, at the age of 78; and WHEREAS, Blanca Sanchez was born in Harlingen; she earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of Texas--Pan American; and WHEREAS, Blanca was elected the first female mayor of Brownsville in 1999; during her tenure, she focused on addressing the needs of children and on serving the most vulnerable members of the population; and WHEREAS, In addition to her mayoral service, she worked hard to establish the city's first library by serving as cochair of the Brownsville Library Foundation; an advocate for women, she encouraged the promotion of female engineers and managers during her tenure as the first female member of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board; she also mentored many future community leaders while serving as a counselor at Saint Joseph's Academy; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Vela was married to the late Filemon B. Vela, a United States federal judge; they shared a life of service together and were blessed with three children and six grandchildren; following her husband's passing in 2004, she established the Vela Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Blanca and Filemon Vela Endowed Scholarship at The University of Texas at Brownsville; and WHEREAS, Blanca Vela was respected and admired by many; through her public service, she inspired countless individuals throughout her lifetime, and her many contributions to the City of Brownsville will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Blanca Sanchez Vela; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Blanca Sanchez Vela. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 4, 2015, by a rising vote.