SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 102
In Memory
of
Sylvia G. Rodriguez
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Sylvia G.
Rodriguez, who died January 23, 2013, at the age of 71; and
WHEREAS, Born July 28, 1941, in Laredo, Mrs. Rodriguez was
guided through life by her faith and love of family and a
boundless belief in democracy; she spent countless hours
volunteering with regional organizations as diverse as the San
Antonio Port Authority, the Political Divas of San Antonio, the
Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, and the Mexican American
Democrats of Texas; she was inducted into the San Antonio Women's
Hall of Fame in recognition of her service to her community; and
WHEREAS, Sylvia Rodriguez was first introduced to politics
when she worked for Texas State Senator Joe J. Bernal; she was
elected to the Democratic National Committee in 1978 and became
the founder and first chair of its Hispanic Caucus; in 1980, she
was invited by President Jimmy Carter to lead the recitation of
the Pledge of Allegiance during that year's Democratic National
Convention; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodriguez was also a proponent of health care
for the underserved; she served on the Health and Welfare Council
of the National Capital Area in Washington, D.C.; in Texas, she
devoted untold energy to organizing the annual San Fernando
Health and Safety Fair, which she served as director; the fair
provided medical screenings and consultations to thousands of
uninsured and undocumented residents in the region; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodriguez was revered in the nation's capital
for her trailblazing efforts on behalf of women, Hispanics, and
other minorities who strove to break the glass ceilings of
politics and social advancement; she will long be remembered as a
leader and an unfaltering voice for progress, and her legacy of
wisdom, warmth, and generosity will inspire generations to come;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the
bereaved family of Sylvia G. Rodriguez: her husband of 45 years,
Eugene; her daughter, Clarissa; and her many other beloved
relatives; 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 honor of Sylvia Rodriguez.
Van de Putte
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 4, 2013, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate