SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 314
In Memory
of
Blanca Sanchez Vela
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Brownsville in mourning the loss of Blanca Sanchez
Vela, who died February 19, 2014, at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, Blanca Sanchez was born in Harlingen; she earned a
bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of
Texas--Pan American; and
WHEREAS, Blanca was elected the first female mayor of
Brownsville in 1999; during her tenure, she focused on addressing
the needs of children and on serving the most vulnerable members
of the population; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her mayoral service, she worked
hard to establish the city's first library by serving as cochair
of the Brownsville Library Foundation; an advocate for women, she
encouraged the promotion of female engineers and managers during
her tenure as the first female member of the Brownsville Public
Utilities Board; she also mentored many future community leaders
while serving as a counselor at Saint Joseph's Academy; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Vela was married to the late Filemon B. Vela,
a United States federal judge; they shared a life of service
together and were blessed with three children and six
grandchildren; following her husband's passing in 2004, she
established the Vela Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Blanca and
Filemon Vela Endowed Scholarship at The University of Texas at
Brownsville; and
WHEREAS, Blanca Vela was respected and admired by many;
through her public service, she inspired countless individuals
throughout her lifetime, and her many contributions to the City
of Brownsville will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Blanca Sanchez Vela; 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 Blanca Sanchez Vela.
Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 4, 2015, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate