In memory of Yolanda P. Torres of San Antonio.

89(R) HR 811 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 811

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The life of a beloved educator drew to a close with

the passing of Yolanda P. Torres of San Antonio on February 24,

2025, at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, The daughter of Rolando and Bertha Parga, the former

Yolanda Parga was born in San Antonio on June 13, 1936; her parents

were talented musicians, and she grew up with three siblings, Irma,

Roland, and Sylvia, in a household that shaped her love for the

arts; she studied the accordion with a classical teacher, and she

also played the piano, ukulele, and French horn, the latter as a

member of the Thomas Jefferson High School marching band; the first

in her family to graduate from college, she earned an English degree

at the University of the Incarnate Word and a master's degree in

psychology at St. Mary's University; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Torres began her teaching career with the

Edgewood Independent School District in 1957; during her years in

education, she taught English with a focus on classical literature,

and she served as a journalism instructor and school newspaper

sponsor at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio, as the yearbook

sponsor at Jefferson Davis High School in Houston, and as the

literary club sponsor at Thomas Edison High School in San Antonio;

in 1976, Ms. Torres became the first Mexican American woman to be

elected to the Texas State Board of Education; she was teaching at

Edison when she retired in 2000; among her numerous accolades, she

received a Making a Mark on the World Award from the San Antonio

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and she was inducted into the San

Antonio Women's Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Torres took great pride in her four children,

Denise, Peter, Tina, and Paul, and her grandchildren; she always

saw the best in others, and she was a talented poet, oil painter,

singer, and pianist who served as choir director for La Trinidad

United Methodist Church for many years; and

WHEREAS, Admired for her myriad accomplishments and her

remarkable ability to connect with students, Yolanda Torres

brightened the world for all who knew her, and they will forever

hold her close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Yolanda P. Torres

and extend deepest condolences to the members of her family: to her

children, Denise, Peter, Tina, and Paul and his wife, Alisa; to her

grandchildren, Tahnee, Peter Michael, and Savannah and her husband,

Curtis; to her sister, Sylvia; to her sisters-in-law, Dolores and

Sandy; and to her many 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 Yolanda

Torres.

Martinez Fischer

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 811 was unanimously adopted by a

rising vote of the House on May 23, 2025.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House