HOUSE MEMORIAL 13

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - SECOND SESSION, 2022

INTRODUCED BY

Patricia A. Lundstrom

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

HONORING ELAINE ANAYA AND RECOGNIZING HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO NEW MEXICO.

 

     WHEREAS, Elaine Anaya was born and raised in Hanover, Pennsylvania, but met her future husband in Washington, D.C., in 1961, when she was working for the United States department of labor and Toney Anaya was on the staff of then Senator Joseph M. Montoya; and

     WHEREAS, after marrying, in 1969, Elaine Anaya came back to New Mexico with her husband, where they established their home in the Sangre de Cristo foothills and raised their three children; and

     WHEREAS, Elaine Anaya developed a strong love for New Mexico and learned to cook many of New Mexico's traditional foods; and

     WHEREAS, although she reportedly did not like politics, Elaine Anaya supported her husband when he campaigned for election as attorney general and later as governor of New Mexico, as well as for United States senator; and

     WHEREAS, before becoming New Mexico's first lady, Elaine Anaya was a businesswoman who owned electronic office equipment, incorporated, an office supply company, and Accents secretarial services; and

     WHEREAS, Elaine Anaya served as the twenty-third first lady of New Mexico when her husband served as governor from 1983 through 1987; and

     WHEREAS, during her time as first lady, Elaine Anaya actively promoted the arts through museums and was an advocate for early childhood education; and

     WHEREAS, Elaine Anaya was a talented artist in many media and had her work shown in galleries in Santa Fe; and

     WHEREAS, following her service as first lady, Elaine Anaya continued to advocate for those who were experiencing homelessness, struggling with behavioral health problems or victims of domestic violence or human trafficking; and

     WHEREAS, although she served the state in many different ways, the most important consideration for Elaine Anaya was her family and her role as mother to her children; and

     WHEREAS, Elaine Anaya passed away on November 9, 2021, surrounded by her family and held by her husband;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Elaine Anaya be honored and recognized for her public service and her dedication to New Mexico and its residents; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to former Governor Toney Anaya and his family.

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