Honor Evelyn Wagoner's 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 1781 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Evelyn Wagoner 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay tribute to those outstanding individuals who have helped build and shape this Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Evelyn Wagoner upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday, which was celebrated with a party held in her honor at the First Presbyterian Church in Boonville, New York, on Sunday, May 19, 2019; and WHEREAS, Evelyn was born on May 19, 1919, to loving parents, Alfred and Mabel Vernon; she grew up in Utica, New York, where she attended Kemble School and Utica Free Academy; and WHEREAS, This remarkable woman went on to earn a degree in elementary education at Cortland Normal School and Syracuse University; she held her first teaching position in Boonville, New York, in 1942; and WHEREAS, It was in Boonville that Evelyn met Newell Wagoner; the couple were united in marriage in 1945, at the First Presbyterian Church in Utica, New York; they remained happily married for 73 years, until his passing in 2018; and WHEREAS, Evelyn Wagoner took time off from teaching to raise her two children, Jackie and Bill; she would eventually return to teaching in the Adirondack School District, which she did for many years; and WHEREAS, In addition to teaching, Evelyn Wagoner was involved in many community activities, including the Boonville Fair; and WHEREAS, Family and religion have always been an important facet of Evelyn Wagoner's life; she is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir for many years; she loves music and singing, and enjoys her prayer and coffee groups, many of whom visit her, along with her friends, neighbors and caregivers; and WHEREAS, Evelyn Wagoner adores the company of her two cats, Fred and Blackie; she contributes her longevity to her faith, a happy marriage, her friends and family, and staying active; 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 have been her loving children, Bill and his wife, Lori, and Jackie and her husband, Trace, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; 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, 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 Evelyn Wagoner upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Evelyn Wagoner.