By Wolens H.C.R. No. 35
76R3242 BE-D
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of former Dallas mayor Annette Strauss
1-2 on December 14, 1998, at the age of 74, has brought a great loss to
1-3 the Dallas community and to the family and many friends of this
1-4 remarkable Texan; and
1-5 WHEREAS, The first woman to be elected mayor of Dallas,
1-6 Mrs. Strauss led a notable life predicated on initiative and
1-7 inclusion, a life that was an inspiration and an example for all
1-8 citizens of the Lone Star State; and
1-9 WHEREAS, She was born Annette Greenfield on January 26, 1924,
1-10 in Houston; she filled her early years with volunteering for the
1-11 American Red Cross, helping her father, who was an assistant Harris
1-12 County clerk, and establishing herself as a debater and speaker of
1-13 statewide renown; and
1-14 WHEREAS, After graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor's
1-15 degree from The University of Texas at Austin, she attended
1-16 Columbia University in New York and earned her master's degree in
1-17 sociology and psychology; in 1945 she married Theodore H. Strauss,
1-18 and on New Year's Day 1947 the couple moved to Dallas, the city
1-19 that would remain their home for more than half a century; and
1-20 WHEREAS, They were blessed with two daughters, Janie and
1-21 Nancy, and the family's years together were indeed happy ones,
1-22 filled with much love and many joyful memories; and
1-23 WHEREAS, Many civic and charitable groups benefited from the
1-24 energy and interest of Mrs. Strauss, including the National Council
2-1 of Jewish Women, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the American
2-2 Red Cross; one of her early successes was as chair of the 1970
2-3 television auction to benefit the Texas Arts and Culture
2-4 Association, at which more than $112,000 was raised; and
2-5 WHEREAS, Her experience and enthusiasm propelled Mrs. Strauss
2-6 to take on even greater challenges; she helped to found the
2-7 Volunteer Center of Dallas County, served as chair of the Crystal
2-8 Charity Ball, which raised more than $200,000 for children's
2-9 services, and led both the Creative Learning Center and the Dallas
2-10 United Nations Association; and
2-11 WHEREAS, In addition, she was active with many other groups
2-12 and causes, including the Dallas Heritage Society, United Way of
2-13 Metropolitan Dallas, and Children's Medical Center; and
2-14 WHEREAS, In 1982, Mrs. Strauss successfully ran for a seat on
2-15 the Dallas City Council; after two terms on the council, she was
2-16 elected mayor of Dallas in 1987; and
2-17 WHEREAS, Her skills at consensus building and compromise were
2-18 exemplary, and in her role as mayor, she led Dallas to
2-19 international prominence as a business and vacation center and as a
2-20 city offering a high quality of life; and
2-21 WHEREAS, The mayor's optimism, hard work, and strong will
2-22 enabled her to bring the Dallas community together in a time of
2-23 tension and, by focusing on similarities among people rather than
2-24 their differences, she established a worthy legacy; and
2-25 WHEREAS, Though the charm, warmth, and ability of Annette
2-26 Strauss will long be missed, her spirit surely lives on through the
2-27 many lives she touched, and it is indeed fitting to honor her
3-1 memory at this time; now, therefore, be it
3-2 RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas
3-3 hereby pay tribute to the life of Annette Strauss and extend
3-4 sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her beloved
3-5 husband, Ted; to her daughters, Janie McGarr and Nancy Halbreich;
3-6 to her grandchildren; and to the many other relatives and friends
3-7 of this esteemed woman; and, be it further
3-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-9 prepared for the members of her family and that when the Texas
3-10 House of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in
3-11 memory of the Honorable Annette Strauss.