Honor Edna Butler’s 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 1939 BY: Senator LITTLE CONGRATULATING Edna Butler upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday on May 6, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Edna Butler upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to be celebrated at a party held in her honor and hosted by her family and friends on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at The 1925 Barn in Hudson Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, Edna Butler was born on May 3, 1917, to Asel and Myra Balcom Elethorpe in Hague, New York; she attended grade school and graduated from Hague High School in 1935; as a student, she played basketball and was a member of the team which won a state championship; and WHEREAS, Edna Elethorpe married her high school sweetheart, Alvin Middleton, on October 7, 1939, in Pelham Manor, New York, where they were both working; the couple moved back to Hague in the early 1940s; and WHEREAS, During the summer months, Edna Middleton served as a bookkeeper in the business office at the Silver Bay Association YMCA; and WHEREAS, While Edna Middleton and her husband were raising their daughters, Nancy and Susan, she held many leadership positions in various community organizations including President of the PTA, and President of the American Legion Auxiliary; this dynamic woman also belonged to the women's bowling league, taught Sunday School, and operated a horseback riding stable with the help of her family; and WHEREAS, After the sudden death of her husband in 1964, Edna Middleton moved to Hudson Falls; in 1968, she married her second husband, Robert Butler; and WHEREAS, Edna Butler attended Adirondack Community College, graduating in 1974; during this time, she served as the Director of the Glens Falls Senior Citizens Center; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Edna Butler was instrumental in expanding its programs, and enhancing many of the programs already in place, and she and her staff organized many fun bus trips; after her retirement in

1983, Edna Butler worked as a substitute teacher's aide for BOCES; and WHEREAS, Edna Butler was also a vital member of the Board of Directors of the Office of the Aging; in this role, she attended a conference at the White House in Washington DC; and WHEREAS, Edna Butler and her husband enjoyed traveling, gardening, square dancing, camping, snowmobiling, and spending time with their family until he passed away in 2001; and WHEREAS, When she was not spending time with her family, Edna Butler played golf, and served as an usher at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center with her friends Pauline, Tekla, and Edith; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her two daughters, Nancy (Joe) Ferreira and Susan (Larry) Wolcott, Sr.; four grandchildren, Donna (Richard), Larry, Jr. (Terrie), Lori (Dominick), and Karen (Peter); six great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jeffrey, Kelsey, Joshua, Cameron and Jared; and one great-great-grandchild, Camella; as well as her late husbands, Alvin Middleton, and Robert Butler, all of whom have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Edna Butler, with her zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life; and WHEREAS, Edna Butler has enriched the lives of those around her through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Edna Butler upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Edna Butler.