H.R. No. 1656
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Amelia Ramirez Canales on February 27, 2015, at the age
of 89; and
WHEREAS, Descended from one of the founding families of
Hebbronville, the former Amelia Ramirez was born there on October
4, 1925, to Amelia Barrera-Guerra and Rafael Ramirez; as a
teenager, she was the head cheerleader at Hebbronville High School
and the salutatorian of her graduating class; and
WHEREAS, She continued her education at Incarnate Word
College in San Antonio, where she became a Phi Beta Kappa member,
and it was during this time that she met Gregorio M. Canales; the
pair soon married and ultimately settled in San Antonio and became
the proud parents of seven children, Gregorio, Maria, Francine,
Amelia, Luis, Mapi, and Cristina; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Canales enjoyed volunteering her time and
talents to benefit such organizations as the San Antonio Women's
Pavilion at HemisFair Park and the Mexican American Cultural
Center; inspired by the diverse lands, customs, and people of South
Texas, she wrote bilingual poetry that became part of the San
Antonio ISD and Edgewood ISD language and literature programs, and
she was a founding member of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de
México extension program in San Antonio; she was also involved with
the Light One Candle Education and Endowment Funds, which were set
up in memory of her late husband in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Amelia Canales
will remember her light and laughter, and the way she touched their
lives with her kindness and generosity, and she will forever hold a
treasured place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Amelia Ramirez
Canales and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to
her children, Francine Garza-Vale and her husband, Dr. Arnulfo
Garza-Vale, Amelia Rosario Sondgeroth and her husband, Jim, Luis
Felipe Canales and his wife, Hillary, Maria del Pilar "Mapi" Helm,
and Cristina Maria Canales; to her daughter-in-law, Josie Canales;
to her grandchildren, Nicole Zoli and her husband, Guido, Andrea
Teresa Maaseide and her husband, Steve, Anthony Garza-Vale,
Francisco Sondgeroth and his wife, Jordan, Erica Sondgeroth,
Angelica Fruin and her husband, Scott, Sonya Gil and her husband,
Aaron, Monica Canales, Rebecca and Alex Helm, and Katie Canales; to
her great-grandchildren, Michael, Ellie, and Mia Maaseide, Alessio
and Giacomo Zoli, Malik Canales-Turner, Magnum and Amelia Mandalay
Fruin, Amado Canales-Salazar, Antonio Canales, Mythius and Harmony
Lopez, and Joseph and Jacob Sondgeroth; and to her other relatives
and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Amelia
Ramirez Canales.
Anchia
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1656 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on April 23, 2015.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House