TITLE: In memory of Maria Delia Bazan of McAllen.

SUMMARY: In memory of Maria Delia Bazan of McAllen.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close with the passing of admired restaurateur Maria Delia Bazan of McAllen on January 31, 2021, at the age of 76; and WHEREAS, The daughter of Manuel and Rosita Lopez, the former Delia Lopez was born in McAllen on March 1, 1944, and grew up with five siblings, Ruben, Ofelia, Diana, Irma, and Manuel; in the late 1960s, she met her future husband, Elias Bazan Jr., after her car had a problem near Archer Park; she agreed to give him her number but provided a fake name, and when he phoned, her sister tried to tell him he had the wrong number; fortunately, she was home to intervene; the couple became the proud parents of 3 children, Elias, Steve, and Priscilla, and they were eventually blessed with 12 grandchildren, Elias, Arrik, Sara, Samantha, Trista, Tessa, Tristan, Karis, Alejandro, Rick, Dominique, and Daniella; and WHEREAS, The Bazans served some five generations of Rio Grande Valley residents at their Taco Ole Mexican Restaurants, where Ms. Bazan's enchiladas and Lenten capirotada were especially popular; she could often be found happily working in the kitchen alongside the cooks; she favored bright, stylish clothes, and at the age of 70, she could be spotted driving around in a powder-blue convertible, attired like a movie star in huge sunglasses and a flowy scarf, with grandchildren in the back seat; warm and caring, she loved spending time with her large extended family, and she was a maternal presence in the lives of many others as well; she was also a woman of strong faith and a longtime member of the interdenominational group Women's Aglow, and she hosted monthly chapter meetings at her restaurant and Bible studies; and WHEREAS, Although Delia Bazan will be deeply missed, she has left her family and friends with a wealth of memories that they will forever treasure, and she will always hold a special place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Maria Delia Bazan and extend sincere sympathy to her loved ones; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Maria Delia Bazan. Mu oz, Jr. Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 444 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 1, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House