SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 44
In Memory
of
Athena Strand
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the shock and
profound sorrow felt by people across Texas and throughout the
nation at the tragic death of Athena Presley Monroe Strand of
Paradise on December 2, 2022, at the age of seven; and
WHEREAS, A precious little girl who was cherished by her
family and many friends, Athena Strand was born in Duncan,
Oklahoma, on May 23, 2015, to Jacob Strand and Maitlyn Gandy; her
circle of loved ones included her stepmother, Ashley Strand, and
her sisters, Rilyn, Yrsa, and Alice, as well as her grandparents
and great-grandparents and a host of other relatives who all
adored her; and
WHEREAS, Athena was in the first grade at Paradise
Elementary School, where she made friends effortlessly; she wore
an irrepressible smile to match her cheerful personality, and she
enjoyed dancing, singing, horseback riding, and accompanying her
father to Renaissance festivals; she also loved the color pink
and dreamed of growing up to be a Viking princess; and
WHEREAS, Athena Strand brought abundant joy to everyone
around her, and although her loss is immensely difficult to bear,
her memory will forever be treasured by all those who were
fortunate enough to share in the blessing of her life; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Athena
Presley Monroe Strand and extend deepest condolences to the
members of her family: to her parents, Maitlyn Gandy and Jacob
Strand and his wife, Ashley; to her sisters, Rilyn Dawn Gandy,
Yrsa Liv Strand, and Alice Elizabeth Strand; to her
grandparents, Steven Kulbeth, Mark Strand, Shelly and Daymon
Crittenden, and Terry Stephens and his wife, Bridget; to her
great-grandparents, Doylene Thompson, Jackie Kulbeth, Eloise
Strand, and Jeannie Watson; to her aunts and uncles, Keeland
Kulbeth, Kaden Jones and her husband, Jerrad, Kayla Kaul and
her husband, Josh, Zachariah Strand and his wife, Heather,
Elijah Strand and his wife, Madison, Andrea Larrazolo, Isaiah
Castillo, Jacob Stevens, and Tyler and Christina; and to her
other relatives and friends and all those who join them in
mourning her passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Athena Strand.
Springer
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 24, 2023, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate