SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 537
In Memory
of
Nancy Lee Bass
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
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 25, 2013, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate