TITLE: Recognizing Maria Lydia Martinez Pena on the occasion of her 99th birthday.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Maria Lydia Martinez Pena on the occasion of her 99th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Maria Lydia Martinez Pena on the grand occasion of her 99th birthday; and WHEREAS, This gracious lady is well known for her charm and generosity of spirit, and she is a beloved resident of Kingsville; and WHEREAS, Maria Pena was born February 6, 1914, in Falfurrias; as a young woman, she worked for many of the city's prominent families, notably Texas Ranger Captain Sterling and his wife, Zora; she married Maclovio Pena, who died in the Battle of the Bulge while serving his country during World War II; and WHEREAS, Widowed at the age of 30, Mrs. Pena raised her five children and taught them the value of education, and they went on to graduate from high school and college and to pursue professional careers; and WHEREAS, Over the course of her long and productive life, she has seen momentous change take place but has continued to cherish the traditional values she learned as a child; and WHEREAS, A beloved and respected member of her community, she is noted for her courage, her compassion for others, and her enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby recognize Maria Lydia Martinez Pena as a treasured citizen of our state and extend to her best wishes for a memorable 99th birthday celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Hinojosa President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 30, 2013.