In memory of Yolanda P. Torres.

89(R) SR 648 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 648

In Memory

of

Yolanda Torres

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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

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 Senate

adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Yolanda Torres.

Menéndez

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on May 31, 2025, by a

rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate