2023S0119-1 02/13/23
By: Eckhardt S.R. No. 190
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Mary C. Nelson, who died January 8,
2023, at the age of 70; and
WHEREAS, Mary Nelson was a treasured Texan and a beloved
citizen of Austin who led a life of purpose through her tireless
dedication to her endeavors, her family, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Mary was born on January 22, 1952, in Houston; the
eldest child of a United States Air Force officer, Mary lived in
locations throughout the United States and England before her
family moved to Austin in 1970; she attended The University of
Texas while working as a cinema projectionist at local movie
theaters, and she eventually became the first female union master
projectionist in the country; and
WHEREAS, Intelligent and driven, Mary served on countless
movie and commercial sets throughout her career and skillfully
performed a variety of roles including electrician, key grip, key
rigging grip, and best boy; she was a lifelong advocate of unions
and a champion of labor rights, and she was an active member of
the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving
Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts union; she served
as business agent of the union's Local 205, and she also served as
the business agent for the Film and Movie Mechanics Local 484;
and
WHEREAS, A trailblazer in many regards, Mary found success
in a male-dominated industry, and her strength, expertise, and
leadership broke barriers for women in entertainment production;
in the 1970s, she trained as a power lifter and competed against
men, often winning her competitions at a time when few or no women
competed; she served as the first female director of production
at the Paramount and Stateside Theaters in Austin, and she served
for several years as the director of production for the Moontower
Comedy Festival; and
WHEREAS, Mary and her beloved husband, Sandy Gilzow,
started their own company, Shur-Rig, in 2012 to provide
high-quality rigging for art and entertainment installations
across the state; for the past decade, their passion for
production and keen attention to detail has helped great works of
art come to life, and Mary found it especially rewarding to work
to help low-income and community theaters succeed in their
productions; and
WHEREAS, Mary was a loving wife, mother, and sister and a
trusted mentor and friend to many; her generous and courageous
spirit and her loving and joyful example were a source of
inspiration in the lives of others, and she leaves behind
memories that will long be cherished by her family and friends
and by all who were privileged to share in her life; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Mary C. Nelson; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Mary C. Nelson.