SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 609
In Memory
of
Viola Barrios
WHEREAS, April 2019 marks the 11th anniversary of the death
of San Antonio restaurateur Viola Barrios, and this occasion
provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on the life and
accomplishments of this beloved woman; and
WHEREAS, Viola Barrios was born in Bustamante, Nuevo León,
Mexico, to Alfredo and Evangelina Botello, and she grew up with
the companionship of four sisters, Connie, Mary, Gloria, and
Irma; after moving to the United States in her early 20s, she
settled in San Antonio and married the love of her life, Jose
C. Barrios; the couple shared a rewarding marriage that spanned
almost two decades before Mr. Barrios was killed in an automobile
accident in 1975; Ms. Barrios suddenly found herself a single
parent of three children; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, with only $3,000 and a passion for
cooking, Ms. Barrios opened the original Los Barrios Restaurant
in an old boat garage downtown; for nearly 30 years, she worked
seven days a week cooking, cleaning, prepping food, bussing
tables, and doing any other job necessary to help the business
survive and grow; through her hard work, Los Barrios prospered,
expanding to a second location and earning national acclaim by
being featured in numerous publications and television
programs; and
WHEREAS, A San Antonio legend, Ms. Barrios was renowned for
her generosity; she lent a helping hand to those in need and
returned to Mexico annually to assist the residents of her
hometown; following her death, the tradition of selfless service
that she began has been carried on by her three children, Teresa
Barrios-Ogden, Louis Barrios, and Diana Barrios Treviño, and by
her many grandchildren; in 2008, they started the Viola's Huge
Heart Foundation to provide scholarships to low-income students;
the family has also sponsored dozens of fund-raisers for various
nonprofit groups and further honored their matriarch by opening
additional businesses, including the Viola's Ventanas restaurant
that bears her name; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Viola Barrios set an
inspiring example of perseverance, professional achievement, and
concern for others, and her memory will long be cherished by
residents of the San Antonio area; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the legacy of Viola Barrios
and honor her many contributions to her community; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for her family as an expression of high regard by the
Texas Senate.
Menéndez, Campbell,
Flores, Zaffirini
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 24, 2019, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate