"When it comes to the city of San Antonio I feel like I'm the mamacita or something. I just want everything to happen that is good for the city."
Those are the words of a tireless Lila Cockrell.
They held a party Wednesday night to celebrate the official retirement of the former mayor from her most recent job as President of the San Antonio Parks Foundation.
But Lila is just 90 years old and happens to have more energy than most people half her age, so she's not really retiring.
"I'm not just retiring to a rocking chair. I'm retiring to do a job -- finishing the book. And then on the side I'm going to be a volunteer helping with some special projects."
That book is something she's been working on for some time. It's about all that she's seen (and done) over decades in public life here.
And she tells News 4 San Antonio that one of those projects she'll be helping as a volunteer is called "Rosemary's Kitchen" for Rosemary Kowalski, the long-time businesswoman. The non-profit helps young people pursuing careers in the culinary arts.
Lila's old post at the Parks Foundation is being filled by another former San Antonio Mayor, Howard Peak.
We wish Lila all the best. She has been a great advocate for the city and has worked in many different roles helping the community. And may we all have her drive, determination and attitude, not to mention her longevity.
