Honor Mary McGrath Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 48 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Mary McGrath upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mary McGrath upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Senior Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which provides support for seniors in the capital district through education and dialogue; and WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations, government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors themselves; and WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for their lifetime achievements; and WHEREAS, Mary McGrath is being recognized as an extraordinary senior for her tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of others and for giving selflessly in community service; and WHEREAS, Born on April 7, 1932, Mary McGrath spent her childhood years in Saratoga, New York, before moving to Troy, New York, where she graduated from Catholic High School in 1949; and WHEREAS, One year later, Mary McGrath married her late husband Gordon, and together, they raised seven children in the Catholic faith at St. Patrick's Church in Troy; today, she continues to attend mass daily; and WHEREAS, Mary McGrath worked nights as a bookkeeper for Union National Bank; later, she was employed by the New York State Department of Tax and Finance for 15 years; and WHEREAS, Devoted to her children and her community, Mary McGrath served as a Girl Scout leader and was actively involved with the Troy Little League; she was also a member of the Mothers Club of St. Patrick's Church; and WHEREAS, In May of 2017, Mary McGrath moved into the King Theil Senior Community, and quickly made many new friends and became an active participant in numerous activities; and WHEREAS, When she is not helping someone, Mary McGrath enjoys spending time with her children, 26 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren; she is devoted to the Rosary and the power of prayer, and likes to read St. Anthony's Messenger; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Mary McGrath has displayed throughout her life; she is an involved, caring person, who is always willing and able to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Mary McGrath upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mary McGrath.