86R33820 BPG-D
By: Price H.R. No. 1787
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Martha Pattillo Siv on December 14,
2016, at the age of 71, concluded a remarkable life of service and
entrepreneurship; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Ellice and Jean Pattillo, the former
Martha Pattillo was born in Pampa on December 1, 1945; she completed
both a bachelor's degree in French and a master's degree in library
and information science at The University of Texas at Austin; after
working in Bangkok, Thailand, for the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization, she transferred to the
U.N. headquarters in New York City; she visited more than 40
countries while helping to develop library and information science
operations for various U.N. agencies; along the way, she founded
South China Seas, a handicraft import business that helped women in
developing countries achieve economic independence; and
WHEREAS, She met her future husband, Sichan Siv, in New York
in 1977, and they married at the First Presbyterian Church in Pampa
on Christmas Eve 1983; his appointment as deputy assistant to
President George H. W. Bush took them to Washington, D.C., where
Mrs. Siv was employed as a senior information manager for the World
Bank; when Mr. Siv became a U.S. ambassador to the U.N. in 2001,
Mrs. Siv's knowledge of international cultures and fluency in six
languages proved invaluable in supporting his endeavors, and she
used the opportunity to champion American freedom and opportunity;
the couple retired to San Antonio in 2006, and Mrs. Siv gave
generously of her time and talents as a member of the First
Presbyterian Church, Teachers Across Borders, Friends of Khmer
Culture, Caring for Cambodia, the 100 Club of San Antonio, and other
organizations; in addition, she was a member of the advisory
council to the UT School of Information, which named its Martha Lee
Pattillo Siv Doctoral Student Lounge in her honor; the Pampa City
Commission recognized her contributions by dubbing a section of the
public library the Martha Pattillo Siv Children's Library; and
WHEREAS, Martha Pattillo Siv set an inspiring example through
her dedication to her family, her faith, her community, and her
country, and she is remembered with admiration and affection by all
who were privileged to know her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Martha Pattillo Siv
and extend sincere condolences to all 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 Martha
Pattillo Siv.