84R12229 KSM-D
By: Canales H.R. No. 900
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and
meaningful accomplishments remain to comfort the family and friends
of Celia Avila of Edinburg, who passed away on January 29, 2015, at
the age of 54; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of her hometown, the former
Celia Salinas graduated from Edinburg High School in 1979 and went
on to attend The University of Texas--Pan American, where she
earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1983; she married
the love of her life, Jorge Avila, in 1986, and the couple enjoyed
28 years together and raised two daughters, Amanda and Anyssa; and
WHEREAS, After working as a probation officer, Ms. Avila
joined the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District in
1988 while pursuing her alternative teaching certification; she
subsequently became a teacher at Trevino Elementary, and in 2004
she returned to UT--Pan American to attain a master's degree in
education; she then worked as a curriculum assistant at Freddy
Gonzalez Elementary before becoming principal of Truman
Elementary; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her quarter-century career with ECISD,
Ms. Avila was dedicated to enriching educational and
extracurricular opportunities for students; while teaching at
Trevino Elementary, she organized a chess club, UIL club, and dance
team, and she also assisted a colleague with the Edinburg North High
School Golden Spurs drill team; as a principal, she worked to
improve her school's overall performance on state assessment tests
and to ensure that parents became more involved in the academic
journeys of their children; she was also an active member of the
Catholic Church, especially with the youth at Capilla San Jose in La
Hielera; and
WHEREAS, The passion and generosity of spirit that Celia
Avila brought to every endeavor endeared her deeply to all who knew
her, and she will be forever treasured by those who were blessed to
share in her love and affection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Celia Avila and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her
husband, Jorge Avila; to her daughters, Amanda Avila and Anyssa
Avila and her significant other, Misael De Leon Jr.; to her parents,
Donato and Francisca Salinas; to her siblings, Donato Salinas Jr.
and his wife, Edith, Susie Mercado and her husband, Joe, Sylvia
Salinas, Yolanda Granados, and Inez Salinas; and to her many 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 Celia
Avila.