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.
	Men ndez
		________________________________
		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