Honor Doris Dusharm’s 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 242 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Doris O. Dusharm upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday 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, Born on August 31, 1916, to Hazel (Marcel) and James Moroughan in Harrisville, New York, Doris O. Dusharm celebrated her 100th Birthday with a myriad of events planned by her loving family on Saturday, August 27, 2016; and WHEREAS, The day started out at her Wood Road home, where family members surprised Doris O. Dusharm by picking her up in a horse-drawn carriage led by King, a 10-year-old North American spotted draft horse wearing a fancy Scottish collar housing and show harness; and WHEREAS, Joined by her great-granddaughter, Doris O. Dusharm was taken around the village in the 1890s-era replica carriage, while a handful of people watched from porches and the side of the road as the procession slowly traveled along its quaint streets to her birthday party at the Harrisville Fire Hall, where approximately 150 of her family members, friends, neighbors and village residents came together to wish this remarkable woman a very happy birthday, share memories and take photos with the new centenarian; and WHEREAS, One of Doris O. Dusharm's biggest surprises of the day, was receiving a special High School Diploma from the Superintendent of Harrisville Central School; and WHEREAS, After leaving school at the young age of 17, Doris O. Dusharm worked part-time at the Harrisville Paper Mill; on January 13,

1936, she happily married her husband, Vernon Dusharm, and together the couple had five wonderful children; and WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her son and next-door neighbor, Paul, nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her accomplishments; and WHEREAS, This distinguished woman 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, Unfortunately, Doris O. Dusharm has faced a great deal of heart ache throughout her long life; her twin daughters, Jean and Joan, died at a young age, and her two sons, Barry and Bruce have also passed away; in 1971, her husband perished, leaving Doris a widow after 35 years of marriage; and WHEREAS, This beloved woman 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, Today, Doris O. Dusharm enjoys playing Pedro, a popular card-trading game, on Saturday nights with her friends and regularly attends church on Sundays; 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 Doris O. Dusharm upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Doris O. Dusharm.