TITLE: In memory of Nancy Lee Bass.

SUMMARY: In memory of Nancy Lee Bass.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and pays tribute to the life of Fort Worth philanthropist Nancy Lee Bass, who died February 28, 2013, at the age of 95; and WHEREAS, A doyenne of the arts and the grand dame of countless cultural institutions, Mrs. Bass gave generously of her time and her family fortune; she and her husband, the late Perry Bass, donated millions of dollars in support of museums, education, and health care and human services; as the matriarch of one of the wealthiest families in America, she felt it was incumbent upon the Basses to give back to society; and WHEREAS, Born March 7, 1917 in Fort Worth, she grew up loving classical music and the arts; after graduating from high school, she attained an English degree from The University of Texas at Austin; in 1941, she married Wichita Falls oilman Perry Bass; together the couple raised four sons who would follow in their footsteps of accruing wealth for the family while giving liberally to local, regional, and national causes; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Bass served for three decades as vice president and director of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation; she sat on the boards of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Smithsonian Institution National Council, and The University of Texas at Austin Development Board and on the advisory board of the Van Cliburn competition in Fort Worth; she and her family were instrumental in the construction of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth and were longstanding friends and neighbors of the great pianist Van Cliburn; and WHEREAS, This gracious lady was known for her humility as well as for her elegance and largesse; her outstanding contributions to arts, culture, and human services will long be remembered and revered, and she leaves her beloved sons and grandchildren with memories that will be forever cherished; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Nancy Lee Bass; 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 Nancy Bass. Nelson, Davis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2013, by a rising vote.