Honor Frances Gibbs' Legacy

2019, at the age of 93; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Peekskill, Frances Gibbs was the daughter of Elias and Rose Schneps, who operated the Top Notch Bakery after moving to New York City from Debica, Poland in the early part of the 20th century; and WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs, affectionately known as Fran, graduated from New York University where she was the first woman to hold the position of Class President and was also Editor of the school paper; and WHEREAS, Acknowledged for her dynamic leadership, Frances Gibbs leaves behind an outstanding legacy of public service paired with her experience as a small business owner, educator and participant in a wide range of community activities; and WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs was a featured speaker at seminars and for panels on economic development, and was the proud recipient of countless civic awards both locally and nationally; and WHEREAS, After an illustrious career in education, Frances Gibbs served for eight years on the Peekskill City Council; and WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs went on to be elected as Peekskill's first woman Mayor, serving for three terms (1994-1999); and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Frances Gibbs was an active member of the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency (IDA) for many years; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, as charter board members, Frances Gibbs and her late husband Ed played an instrumental role in the development of the Paramount Center for the Arts and its impressive restoration; together, they also operated Mill Run Summer Day Camp in Shrub Oak from

1950 to 1987; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by her devoted husband of more than 50 years, The Honorable Edward M. Gibbs, and her brother Jacob "Jack" Schneps, Frances Gibbs is survived by her three sons, Donald, Stuart and Peter; daughters-in-law, Kathleen and Lisa; three grandchildren, Rachel, Ellery and Brandon; her brother Norton and sisters in-law Eve Schneps and Lucia Schneps; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Frances Gibbs 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 mourn the death of Frances Gibbs, renowned former Mayor of Peekskill, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Frances Gibbs.