H.R. No. 214
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of Sister Celia Hernandez Martel of Corpus
Christi on January 18, 2021, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Felipe Hernandez and Rosa Martel,
Sister Celia was born in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico, on May 18,
1934; she entered the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
in 1962 and professed her vows two years later; and
WHEREAS, Sister Celia served at the Corpus Christi Minor
Seminary from 1964 to 1982; she loved her work cooking and baking
for the priests and seminarians, and she called each "mi hijito," or
"my dear son," while fretting about whether they had eaten enough;
some commented that she was like a second mother to them; and
WHEREAS, Following her transfer to El Paso, Sister Celia
served meals to the students at St. Joseph of the Valley Preschool
and Daycare; she returned to Corpus Christi in 2000 as the cook for
the Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth; the
smiles and hugs from the children brought her tremendous happiness,
and when she could no longer manage the kitchen, she continued to
help feed little ones as a volunteer; and
WHEREAS, Sister Celia inspired countless people through her
faith, humility, and compassion, and the love and joy she freely
shared will forever live on in their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Sister Celia
Hernandez Martel and extend sincere condolences to the members of
her family: to her brothers, Ernesto and Enrique; to her sister,
Rosa Maria; to her nieces and nephews; and to all others 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 Sister
Celia Hernandez Martel.
Herrero
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 214 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 18, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House