SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 788
In Memory
of
Bertha Cuellar Gonzalez
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
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 a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do
so in memory of Bertha Gonzalez.
Menéndez, Campbell,
Uresti, Zaffirini
____________________________________________________________
Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
____________________________________________________________
Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
______________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 15, 2017, by a
rising vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate