LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring centenarian Grace E. Gay upon the occa-
sion of her designation for special recognition by Dominican Village of
Amityville, New York, at its Annual Dinner Dance on May 2, 2009

WHEREAS, The quality and richness of life in the communities of New York
State are enriched and sustained through the contributions of individ-
uals whose long and purposeful lives personify the values of family,
faith, and citizenship; and
WHEREAS, A citizen of such worthy purpose and good works is Grace Gay,
an exceptional centenarian whose zest for life and concern for others
has enriched and inspired the lives of all those who have had the oppor-
tunity to know and love her; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend such individuals as Grace Gay, who have touched the lives of so
many; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor 100
years young Grace E. Gay upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by Dominican Village, and Long Island's Amityville
community, at Dominican Village's Annual Dinner Dance on May 2, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Dominic and located in West-
ern Suffolk County, Dominican Village is a non-sectarian, not-for-pro-
fit, Independent and Assisted Living Retirement Community, with Respite
Care, which provides a beautiful living environment, enabling Grace Gay
and its other residents to live their lives with relaxation, a choice of
activities, opportunities for socializing, and a sense of purpose; and
WHEREAS, Born on September 21, 1908, to Adele Bourgeau and Elliott
Seagraves, Grace Gay had two sisters, Adele and Flora, and two brothers,
Elliott and Donald; the family originally lived in Brooklyn, then moved
to East Rockaway where they remained until 1926, when they settled in
Island Park; from this time, she happily remembers a celebration follow-
ing an informal graduation from East Rockaway High School; and
WHEREAS, She subsequently married Albert Gay from upstate New York and
the couple's cherished daughter, Jeanne, was born in 1928; Grace is, in
addition, the proud and loving grandparent of four grandchildren, Ellen,
Steven, Joanne and Matthew, and three great-grandchildren Evan, Kelsey
and Neil; and
WHEREAS, Grace Gay was very active in her church, the United Methodist
Church in Island Park; she commuted to downtown Manhattan, where she
worked for an insurance agency; she also worked at Lido Beach Country
Club, where her father was the Manager, and fondly recalls the silent
movie and other movie stars who came to the beach to relax and enjoy
time with family and friends in a very happy atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, Grace Gay has been a resident of Dominican Village since 2004
and enjoys feeding the birds, gardening, crocheting, and watching her
sun plants grow in the springtime; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached the remarkable age of 100 and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the past 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
honor centenarian Grace E. Gay upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by Dominican Village at its Annual Dinner Dance on
May 2, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Grace E. Gay.