78R2131 MDM-D

By:  Madden                                                       H.R. No. 19 


R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of Dallas lost a prominent civic leader and grand lady with the passing of Mildred Ross Willard McCool on July 23, 2002, at the age of 95; and WHEREAS, Born on January 21, 1907, in Ticonderoga, New York, she grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee, where she graduated from high school and attended East Tennessee Normal School; and WHEREAS, She moved with her husband John Fisher Willard to Dallas in 1929 when he joined his uncle's firm, the Willard Davis Hat Company; after her husband's untimely passing, she served as an officer of the company for many years, successfully combining her career with heading a one-parent household; she later married John Thomas McCool, who preceded her in death after a long and happy marriage; and WHEREAS, Mrs. McCool was an invaluable member of a host of Dallas-area organizations, a great number of which she served as president; her affiliations included the Zonta Club, the Business and Professional Women's Club, the Harmony Club, the Lazy Susan Garden Club, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and numerous bridge and luncheon groups; she was a longtime member of the Church of the Incarnation altar guild and a charter member of the Church of the Holy Communion; and WHEREAS, A world traveler well into her eighties, this remarkable woman enjoyed visits to Alaska, Mexico, and the Holy Land in her later years; and WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Mrs. McCool demonstrated a deep commitment to her family, her church, and her community; those who were privileged to enjoy her friendship will treasure her memory for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Mildred Ross Willard McCool and extend sincere sympathy to her daughters, Eleanor Willard Standefer and Sue Willard Olivier; to her 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and to her other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Mildred Ross Willard McCool.