SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 159


In Memory

of

Rosita Fernandez


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the 
citizens of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Rosita Fernandez, 
who died May 2, 2006, at the age of 88; and

	WHEREAS, Known to her legions of fans as "Rosita," and then 
as "San Antonio's First Lady of Song," after being given the title 
by Lady Bird Johnson, Rosita Fernandez sang before royalty, heads 
of state, and Pope John Paul II; a woman of much modesty, however, 
she sang for the simplest of reasons--she wanted to share her gift 
of voice with the world; and

	WHEREAS, Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Rosita took San Antonio
as her adopted hometown and became one of its most beloved icons; 
for nearly 30 years, she was the featured attraction at the 
Arneson River Theater's Fiesta Noche del Rio, a fund-raiser for 
local children's charities; and

	WHEREAS, Rosita continued to appear at charity events well 
after her official retirement, particularly the Teleton 
Navideño; the San Antonio city council honored her by naming a 
stone bridge crossing the San Antonio River "Rosita's Bridge"; 
and

	WHEREAS, Rosita sang for Pope John Paul II on his 1987 
visit to San Antonio, and she sang for Prince Charles when he 
visited Texas, a performance she called her favorite; she 
performed at the LBJ Ranch on several occasions and sang at 
President Jimmy Carter's inaugural parade; and

	WHEREAS, Rosita made hundreds of recordings on the RCA, 
Decca, and Brunswick labels and appeared in films and on 
television as well; she was the first performer to appear live on 
San Antonio's WOAI television station; and

	WHEREAS, Among the many awards Rosita garnered were the 
Arts and Letters Award from the Friends of the San Antonio Public 
Library and the Albert Peña, Jr., Lifetime Award from the Mexican 
American Unity Council; she was named Woman of the Year in 1983 
and was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame and the 
Tejano Music Hall of Fame; and

	WHEREAS, A woman of grace, strength, and compassion, 
Rosita gave unselfishly to others, and she leaves behind memories 
that will be cherished forever by her family and many friends; 
now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend sincere 
condolences to the bereaved family of Rosita Fernandez:  her 
husband, Charlie Reeves; her son, Raul J. Almaguer; her daughter 
and son-in-law, Diana Rosa and Rafael Orellana; her sisters,
Olga Garza, Celia Ochoa, Ana Maria Herrera, and Marianela Ojeda; 
and her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and, 
be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of her family as an expression of deepest sympathy 
from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 
day, it do so in memory of Rosita Fernandez.
                                                                    Van de Putte




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 8, 2006, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate