H.R. No. 370
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
passing of Bertha Cuellar Gonzalez of San Antonio on January 16,
2017, at the age of 99; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Lino Edward Cuellar and Francisca
Flores Cuellar, the former Bertha Cuellar was born in Floresville
on November 21, 1917; she moved with her family to San Antonio as a
young girl and went on to graduate from Brackenridge High School;
and
WHEREAS, She married Henry B. Gonzalez in 1940, and the
couple became the proud parents of four sons, Henry, Charles,
Stephen, and Frank, and four daughters, Rose Mary, Bertha,
Genevieve, and Anna; when her children were young, Mrs. Gonzalez
was active in the PTA and served as a Cub Scout den mother; and
WHEREAS, While raising her family, Mrs. Gonzalez also shone
as "campaigner in chief" for her husband, who became the state's
first Mexican American congressman; she shared his deep commitment
to social justice and played a crucial role in his long career in
public service, providing wise counsel as well as tireless support;
he often referred to her as his "secret weapon"; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Gonzalez was happiest with a house full of
people, especially youngsters, and she rejoiced in a large family
that grew to include 21 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren;
following the death of Congressman Gonzalez in November 2000, Mrs.
Gonzalez demonstrated tremendous grace and resilience, and she
continued to form many new friendships as a resident of a senior
community; and
WHEREAS, Although she never sought the spotlight, Bertha
Gonzalez made a lasting, positive difference in her community and
beyond, and those who were fortunate enough to share in the richness
of her life will forever cherish their memories of her warmth, her
selfless dedication to her family, and her wonderful sense of
humor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Bertha Cuellar
Gonzalez and extend sincere condolences to all those who mourn her
passing; 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 Bertha
Gonzalez.
Minjarez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 370 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on February 23, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House