H.R. No. 262
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
passing of Azucena Rodriguez Barrera of Robstown on January 28,
2025, at the age of 95; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Felix Rodriguez and Isabel Guajardo
Rodriguez, the former "Tena" Rodriguez was born in Robstown on
August 24, 1929; her parents instilled in her the values of faith,
perseverance, and hard work, and from an early age, she joined in
their endeavors at Goodridge Cleaners; she married the love of her
life, Gregorio "Gollo" Barrera, in January 1946, and they were
blessed with two treasured children, Rene and Hilda; a devoted
mother, she sewed clothes for her son and daughter, cooked
wonderful meals, and surrounded them with boundless affection; she
was a lifelong member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, When her offspring were older, Mrs. Barrera began
working alongside her husband at Pena's Café; they dreamed of
owning a restaurant themselves, and in 1978, they opened Barrera's
Fried Chicken in Robstown; she greeted everyone with a radiant
smile and remembered the favorite orders of the many loyal
regulars; gracious and elegant, she was always perfectly coiffed;
and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Barrera was dedicated above all to her family,
and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of
tremendous pride and joy; "Memo" attended all their school events
and celebrations, and she kept her pantry stocked with their
favorite snacks and her television tuned to their favorite shows;
while spending happy afternoons playing Lotería, she taught the
younger generations the beauty of the Spanish language and imparted
the same strong values of her youth; she and her husband shared a
fulfilling relationship until his passing; and
WHEREAS, Tena Barrera led a caring life that was rich in the
intangibles that matter most, and although she is deeply missed,
her loved ones will treasure her legacy of laughter, wisdom, and
unwavering devotion to family and faith; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Azucena Rodriguez
Barrera and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to
her children, Rene Barrera Sr. and his wife, Velma, and Hilda Salas;
to her sister, Norma Salinas; to her grandchildren, Rene Barrera
Jr., Dr. Mandy Barrera, Agustin Barrera, and Arturo Salas Jr.; to
her great-grandchildren, Agustin "AJ" Barrera, Jenna Barrera,
Rianna Barrera, Carlos Salas, and Sammy Salas; and to her other
relatives and friends; 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 Tena
Barrera.
Villalobos
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 262 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 6, 2025.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House