SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 101
In Memory
of
Stella Finnegan Villareal
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Stella Finnegan
Villareal, who died January 20, 2013, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Stella Finnegan was born March 25, 1926, in
Liverpool, England, into an Irish family with deep working-class
and labor union roots; she survived the German bombing of
Liverpool during World War II and developed a lifelong opposition
to war and violence and a determination to ensure that the rights
of all people are respected; and
WHEREAS, During the war, she met Lonnie Villareal, a member
of the United States Army Air Corps from San Antonio; they moved
to the United States and married, enjoying 62 years together and
raising two children, Patricia and Gavin; and
WHEREAS, After living for a time in California, the couple
moved to San Antonio; during the late 1960s, the city was a center
for the growing Mexican American political consciousness, and
she and her husband drew on the legacy of their personal
experience to help the movement achieve success; and
WHEREAS, They worked together on numerous campaigns to
elect Democratic candidates to local, state, and national
office, notably her brother-in-law Robert Vale, who served in the
Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate; she served
as precinct committeewoman for more than 30 years in one of the
city's most reliably Democratic precincts; and
WHEREAS, A woman of courage, strength, and determination,
she gave unselfishly to others, and her generous spirit and her
enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be
forgotten; and
WHEREAS, She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother,
and she leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by
her family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Stella Finnegan Villareal; 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 Stella Finnegan Villareal.
Van de Putte
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 04, 2013,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate