Blanca Sanchez Vela (May 27, 1936 – February 19, 2014) was an American politician and matriarch of one of the most prominent families in Brownsville, Texas.
[3][4][6] Blanca Vela also became the first woman to hold a seat on the Brownsville National Bank's board of directors.
[7] On January 7, 2003, Mayor Blanca Vela announced that she would not seek re-election for a second term in a speech in front of the Market Square fountain.
[12] Vela issued as statement thanking her family and the citizens of the city as her last act in office.
[12] Vela's official portrait, which was hung in commission chambers, was also unveiled on June 10.
[12] Vela died of natural causes at her home in Brownsville on February 16, 2014, at the age of 78.