H.R. No. 97R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to congratulate Maria Rivera Molina on her 100th birthday, which is indeed a memorable occasion and one worthy of special recognition; and WHEREAS, A native Texan, she was born on August 3, 1903, in Cuevitas, in western Hidalgo County, and is a lifelong resident of the Rio Grande Valley; and WHEREAS, This lovely lady married Enrique Molina in 1924, and they were blessed with 10 children: Esther, Moises, Olivia, Leonor, Enrique, Leonel, Gloria, Jose, Jesus, and Vicenta; the couple supported their family through employment as farmworkers, traveling throughout the Lone Star State to harvest cotton, vegetables, and fruit, and they enjoyed a rewarding relationship until Mr. Molina's passing in 1961; Mrs. Molina maintained a home that radiated warmth, love, and compassion, and her homemaking skills provided well for her children; and WHEREAS, "Doña Maria," as she is respectfully known, enjoys the love and affection of her large extended family, which today includes 24 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; this compassionate woman also provided a home to more than 50 children during the period she served as a foster mother; and WHEREAS, For 100 years, Maria Rivera Molina has lived a full life as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and beloved matriarch; through her abiding love for her family and her faith and her generous friendship, she has made a lasting difference in the lives of many, and she remains an inspiration to all those who are privileged to know her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Maria Rivera Molina on the joyous occasion of her 100th birthday and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs. Molina as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Gutierrez ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 97 was adopted by the House on July 18, 2003, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House