Honor Adelaide Raspberry’s Life

Senate Resolution No. 1641 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Adelaide Raspberry, devoted mother, tireless advocate for the homeless and longtime crossing guard at the 94th Precinct in Brooklyn WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the life and accomplishments of individuals whose enduring commitment and dedication significantly enhanced the quality of education in their community; and WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing of Adelaide Raspberry, devoted mother, tireless advocate for the homeless and longtime crossing guard at the 94th Precinct in Brooklyn, on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at the age of age of 72; and WHEREAS, For 33 years, Adelaide Raspberry was a vital and integral part of the Brooklyn educational system and of the daily lives of children throughout her community; she was responsible for safely crossing children both prior to and at the conclusion of each school day; parents and the local schools entrusted her with the lives and well-being of their beloved children; and WHEREAS, Adelaide Raspberry was born on July 30, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, where she lived her entire life; she attended both P.S. 132 and J.H.S. 126 in Brooklyn, and Central Commercial High School in Manhattan, New York, where she graduated in 1962; and WHEREAS, After graduation, Adelaide Raspberry worked at a local hospital for several years; during this time, she met and married her husband, Bobby Raspberry; later, she attended Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn New York; and WHEREAS, Adelaide Raspberry was a very outspoken person and actively supported issues she cared about, including education and the fair treatment of economically disadvantaged African-Americans; and WHEREAS, With a passion for children, Adelaide Raspberry served as a Math teaching paraprofessional at J.H.S. 126 in Brooklyn; she then found her calling as a school crossing guard at the 94th Precinct and fulfilled her life's dream to work with children; and WHEREAS, Always a strong advocate of the importance of education, Adelaide Raspberry took great delight and pride in her job; she was never late to work, hardly ever missed any days and often stayed on her post past her shift until every child returned home from school safely; in 2009, she retired from this position after 33 years of distinguished service; and WHEREAS, A devoted mother of two girls, Adelaide Raspberry strongly influenced their love of learning, commitment to hard work and pursuit of higher education; she always stressed the importance of education as a key to obtain success in life; and WHEREAS, When she was not at work, Adelaide Raspberry loved to read a good book and create beautiful sewing projects; a kind woman, she was always available to lend a helping hand to her friends and neighbors; and WHEREAS, For over six decades, Adelaide Raspberry lived at Cooper Park Houses, where she was actively involved with the tenant's association and local community affairs; and WHEREAS, In addition to her invaluable work at Cooper Park Houses, Adelaide Raspberry would often volunteer and visit with the veterans returning home from the Vietnam War at the Fort Hamilton Military Base; and WHEREAS, Adelaide Raspberry was also active in her union, DC 37 Local 371, frequently attending meetings at the hall and organizing her colleagues to participate in elections and rallies; before her retirement, she organized her colleagues to participate in a rally at City Hall where her union demanded the City increase wages and benefits for school crossing guards; and WHEREAS, Moreover, Adelaide Raspberry often participated in countless civic and organizing activities which empowered the voiceless; in 1981, she participated in the DC 37 March on Washington to protest the lack of job opportunities, and advocated for fair living wages and benefits; and WHEREAS, In 1986, Adelaide Raspberry proudly took part in a march against the South African apartheid system in Central Park in New York City; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by her mother, Fannie Caldwell; three brothers, Ronald, Jerome, and Donald; and sister, Marilyn Caldwell, Adelaide Raspberry is survived by her two daughters, Pamela Raspberry Beaumont and Tiffany Raspberry; one sister, Hattie Carwell; one brother, Walter Caldwell; and one aunt, Lovelane Jeppe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and WHEREAS, Over the course of her long and distinguished career, Adelaide Raspberry touched the lives of thousands of young people, their parents, and the Brooklyn community she served; through rain, sleet, snow, hail and heat, she was always at her post assuring the neighborhood children safety navigated their way to and from school; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body is moved to mourn the death of Adelaide Raspberry, a woman of great faith, compassion and achievement; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Adelaide Raspberry leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay tribute to the memory of Adelaide Raspberry, to celebrate her life, and to acknowledge the significance of her contributions to the well-being of the children and the homeless in her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Adelaide Raspberry.