LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Catherine Lucille Murrell Stroud, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Lucille Murrell Stroud of the Bronx, New York, died
on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the age of 71; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known to all as Cathy, Catherine Stroud
distinguished herself in her profession and by her sincere dedication
and substantial contribution to the welfare of her community; and
WHEREAS, During her many years as a New York resident, Catherine
Stroud bettered the lives of countless families through her leadership
of the Riverview Tenants Association in the Borough of the Bronx, of
which she served as President for more than 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Stroud also successfully operated a computer train-
ing program under the auspices of River Watch, Inc., a community based
organization which she founded in 1997 with a small group of local
women; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Stroud's commitment to excellence, and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman was so committed to meeting the needs
of the thousands of families throughout the Borough of the Bronx that in
2004 she initiated one of the largest food pantries in the
West/Mid-Bronx as part of River Watch, Inc., which grew to serve approx-
imately 6,000 individuals monthly and became a beacon of light and hope
for economically challenged families throughout the 77th Assembly
District and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband Terry Stroud and daughter, April,
Catherine Stroud is survived by two daughters, Joan Stroud and Terri
Stroud; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, John
Murrell, Jr., Diane Herbert, Marilynn Cassandra Murrell, Evelyn Boyd,
Joyce Andrews, and Ricky Sparrow; three step-daughters, Antoinette Nedd,
Cecilia Sharif, and Valerie Hinson; and six step-grand and great-grand-
children; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Catherine Stroud 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 pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Catherine Lucille Murrell
Stroud, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Catherine Lucille Murrell Stroud.