SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 59
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Isabel Ortiz
 
         WHEREAS, The Texas arts community lost a true giant with
  the passing of pioneering mariachi educator Isabel A. Ortiz of
  San Antonio on July 12, 2023, at the age of 90; and
 
         WHEREAS, Born on February 12, 1933, the former Belle
  Aguilar was the daughter of Guadalupe and Roy Aguilar and grew
  up on San Antonio's Westside with her brother, Roy; she began
  honing her musical talents at a young age, playing
  professionally with Latin orchestras throughout the city, and
  she went on to graduate from Sidney Lanier High School and Our
  Lady of the Lake University; in 1953, she wed Daniel San
  Miguel Jr., and they became the proud parents of five
  children, Leticia, Daniel, Annabelle, Rosanne, and Roland;
  with the passing years, her family grew to include many
  beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and
 
         WHEREAS, Over the course of her groundbreaking career in
  education, Mrs. Ortiz started the nation's first high school
  ballet folklorico program at her alma mater and the country's
  first mariachi program at Thomas Jefferson High School; her
  vision and dedicated advocacy helped expand mariachi instruction
  throughout the Lone Star State, and the art form is now taught at
  hundreds of schools in the U.S.; and
 
         WHEREAS, Mrs. Ortiz and her husband Juan Ortiz founded
  Mariachi Campanas de America in 1978, and the renowned
  12-piece ensemble went on to perform at venues all across the
  country, including at the White House for five U.S.
  presidents; the couple was instrumental in establishing the
  Texas Association of Mariachi Educators and the International
  Mariachi Conference and Festival; Mrs. Ortiz also gave
  generously of her time and talents to countless civic and
  political organizations, and she was inducted into the San
  Antonio Women's Hall of Fame; moreover, she was a woman of deep
  faith; and
 
         WHEREAS, "The Mother of Mariachi," Belle Ortiz earned
  the admiration of all who knew her, not only for her work as a
  musician and educator but also for her exceptional
  generosity, compassion, and determination, and she leaves
  behind a legacy that her loved ones can remember with pride;
  now, therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life
  of Isabel A. Ortiz and extend heartfelt sympathy to her family
  and friends; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
  prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
  this day, it do so in memory of Belle Ortiz.
 
  Menéndez
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on October 30, 2023, by
    a rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate