Assembly Resolution No. 610

BY: M. of A. McMahon

CELEBRATING the life and legacy of Mildred L.
Speers, meritorious United States Army Nurse and
French Legion of Honor Medal recipient

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Mildred L. Speers, a preeminent citizen
whose distinguished service and caring commitment will long serve as
standards to which others might aspire; and

WHEREAS, Mildred L. Speers of Clarence, New York, died on Friday,
January 21, 2022, at the remarkable age of 100; and

WHEREAS, Born on June 12, 1921, Mildred Budimirovich, affectionally
known as Millie, was a native of Lackawanna, New York; she graduated
from Buffalo State Hospital's School of Nursing in 1942, preparing her
for an esteemed life of medical service; and

WHEREAS, In November of 1945, Mildred and the love of her life,
Harold W. Speers, were united in marriage in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Inspired by the untimely death of her brother Bernard who
served in the 8th Air Force, Mildred L. Speers valiantly served her
country as a member of the United States First Army assigned to the 96th
Evacuation Hospital in the European theater during World War II; and

WHEREAS, During her illustrious military career, Mildred L. Speers
served in Belgium, Holland and France, among other places, and achieved
the revered rank of First Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, Upon her honorable discharge in 1946, Mildred L. Speers
worked as an emergency room nurse at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle
Hospital; furthermore, a woman of indomitable faith and dedication, she
was an avid and proud member of the Christ the King parish for 62 years,
serving its Rosary and Altar Society and knitting countless baptismal
shawls for infants; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated member of her community, Mildred L. Speers
served as Treasurer and Secretary of her Senior Bowling leagues; she
enjoyed golfing with her friends and gardening, as well as caring for
her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her beloved pet puppies; and

WHEREAS, In December of 2019, at the age of 98 years old, Mildred L.
Speers received the French Legion of Honor Medal, Chevalier, the highest
French order of merit, for risking her life to aid in the liberation of
France; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband in 2010, Mildred L. Speers is
survived by her son, Craig Edward Speers; her daughter, Kimberly Ann
Speers; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister,
Helen Russo; and

WHEREAS, Mildred L. Speers' infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight

and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Mildred L. Speers leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she
will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and legacy of Mildred L. Speers, and to express its
deepest condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Mildred L. Speers.