79R14567 JHS-D

By:  Wong                                                         H.R. No. 1430



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Elnora Mayeux Callegari, matriarch of a large and 
loving family, passed away on March 7, 2005, at the age of 87, in 
Cottonport, Louisiana, and her loss has left a void in the lives of 
all who knew and loved this revered mother, grandmother, and 
great-grandmother; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Callegari was born in Avoyelles Parish, 
Louisiana, on August 28, 1917, the youngest of six children; raised 
in the family home on the site of the former Norwood Plantation in 
Simmesport, Louisiana, she was brought up by her father, her 
brother, and her four sisters following the untimely death of her 
mother in 1922; she attended Moreauville Grammar School and 
graduated from Simmesport High School in 1933; and
	WHEREAS, For three years, this vibrant and intelligent lady 
studied education at Southeastern College in Hammond, Louisiana; 
before earning her degree, however, she married Jerome Preston 
Callegari, with whom she raised six sons and one daughter; she was 
preceded in death by her beloved husband, by her son, U.S. Air Force 
First Lieutenant Jerome P. Callegari, Jr., and by her daughter,  
Mary Callegari Cleland; and
	WHEREAS, Following the passing of her husband, and after 
raising their seven children, Mrs. Callegari returned to college to 
complete her degree; in 1976, at the age of 59, she earned a 
bachelor's degree in education from Louisiana College in Pineville, 
the same year that her seventh child graduated from college; and
	WHEREAS, Passionate about education, Mrs. Callegari taught 
elementary school and French at St. Mary's School, Cottonport 
Elementary School, and St. Joseph's High School; she taught school 
until the age of 77 and was adored by students and teachers alike; 
and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Callegari was known as the faculty's friend, 
philosopher, and advisor on anything from raising children to 
humoring husbands or wives and often provided a sympathetic ear, a 
pat on the hand, and a word of encouragement when it was most 
needed; her students loved her and enjoyed learning French under 
her direction; she often wore a wide white spangled belt, which 
prompted the children to call her "Wonder Woman," a truly apt 
moniker for this gifted educator; and
	WHEREAS, Two of her famous sayings were, "There was a lot of 
water under the bridge" and "If you don't have anything nice to say, 
then don't say it"; her advice to young mothers about children could 
be summed up in the following quote: "Trust them, love them, 
understand them, and most of all, learn to roll with the punches."; 
and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Callegari was immensely proud of the fact that 
each of her seven children graduated from college; her unwavering 
support for her offspring was evidenced through her active 
participation in the many extracurricular activities undertaken by 
her children; she cheered for her sons from the stands during untold 
football games and other athletic events and enthusiastically 
applauded after band performances, always encouraging her 
youngsters in their endeavors; and
	WHEREAS, Known by family members as "Hecky," a childhood 
nickname inspired by her mischievous and lively nature, Mrs. 
Callegari was called "Grandma Hecky" by her legion of grandchildren 
and great-grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, Elnora Callegari was a devoted wife and mother who 
doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and although 
she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the memories of her 
loved ones and through the legacy of her children and their 
families; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Elnora Mayeux 
Callegari and extend deepest sympathy to the members of her family:  
to her sons, State Representative William A. Callegari and his 
wife, Ann; Stephen R. Callegari, Sr., and his wife, Iris; Michael J. 
Callegari and his wife, Peggy; Ralph L. Callegari and his wife, 
Debbie; and Richard M. Callegari and his wife, Lisa; to her 22 
grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; and to the many other 
relatives and friends of this beloved woman; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Elnora 
Mayeux Callegari.