SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 314
	In Memory
	of
	Blanca Sanchez Vela
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
	citizens of Brownsville in mourning the loss of Blanca Sanchez
	Vela, who died February 19, 2014, at the age of 78; and
	WHEREAS, Blanca Sanchez was born in Harlingen; she earned a
	bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of
	Texas--Pan American; and
	WHEREAS, Blanca was elected the first female mayor of
	Brownsville in 1999; during her tenure, she focused on addressing
	the needs of children and on serving the most vulnerable members
	of the population; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to her mayoral service, she worked
	hard to establish the city's first library by serving as cochair
	of the Brownsville Library Foundation; an advocate for women, she
	encouraged the promotion of female engineers and managers during
	her tenure as the first female member of the Brownsville Public
	Utilities Board; she also mentored many future community leaders
	while serving as a counselor at Saint Joseph's Academy; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Vela was married to the late Filemon B. Vela,
	a United States federal judge; they shared a life of service
	together and were blessed with three children and six
	grandchildren; following her husband's passing in 2004, she
	established the Vela Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Blanca and
	Filemon Vela Endowed Scholarship at The University of Texas at
	Brownsville; and
	WHEREAS, Blanca Vela was respected and admired by many;
	through her public service, she inspired countless individuals
	throughout her lifetime, and her many contributions to the City
	of Brownsville will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
	Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
	family of Blanca Sanchez Vela; 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 Blanca Sanchez Vela.
	Lucio
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on March 4, 2015, by a
		rising vote.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate