79R16903 MDM-D

By:  Guillen                                                      H.R. No. 2203



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Having the incredible experience of having lived in 
three different centuries, Hortencia Hinojosa Saenz is celebrating 
her 107th birthday on June 1, 2005, to the delight of her loving 
family and dear friends; and
	WHEREAS, Born on June 1, 1898, in Roma, into a nurturing home 
that eventually included six siblings, Mrs. Saenz moved with her 
family to Monterrey, Mexico, where she attended the Lawrence 
Academy of Fine Arts with her sister; she studied literature, 
writing, mathematics, history, music, and other fine arts, and 
today, this remarkable woman recites a reading she performed as a 
student and daily says prayers she learned as a child; and
	WHEREAS, To escape uncertain conditions in Mexico, the family 
moved back to Texas in 1914, settling in Rio Grande City; evenings 
at home included the music of a violin, piano, mandolin, and guitar 
played by Tencha, her sisters, and their mother; and
	WHEREAS, Tencha met the love of her life, Mateo Saenz, and 
married him on February 19, 1921; the couple lived on the Saenz 
family ranch in Medanitos, where her husband helped supervise the 
work of growing cotton, corn, and other crops, and his bride charmed 
her in-laws and other new friends with her sweet manner and by 
teaching them the crafts she had learned in Monterrey, including 
knitting and quilting; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Saenz and her husband began their own family of 
five beloved children, Arturo, Hector, Armando, Maria Celia, and 
Humberto, and enjoyed a rewarding union until his passing; this 
devoted mother counted her blessings when all four of her sons 
returned home safely from World War II, and today, she is the 
matriarch of a close-knit family that has grown to include two more 
generations of descendants; and
	WHEREAS, A welcome addition to the home of her daughter, 
Maria Celia, and son-in-law, Lauro, with whom she lives, this 
gentle lady is treasured for her wisdom, her faith, and her generous 
heart; she enjoys crocheting and sewing gifts for others, baking 
corn bread, and inviting friends to play bingo; and
	WHEREAS, The birthday of Mrs. Saenz provides a fitting 
opportunity to honor this delightful Texan, whose kindness and 
friendship have brightened the lives of countless individuals; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby warmly congratulate Hortencia Hinojosa Saenz on 
the joyous occasion of her 107th birthday and extend to her best 
wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. Saenz as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.