LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mary Catherine McDevitt upon the
occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday on April 17, 2009

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Mary Catherine McDevitt upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday on
Friday, April 17, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Mary Catherine McDevitt will celebrate this most auspicious
occasion surrounded by her family and friends at a party hosted by her
children on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten
Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, The eldest of five children, Mary Catherine McDevitt was born
on April 17, 1909, in Troy, New York; her father, James J. Dee, was from
Tipperary, Ireland and her mother, Mary Loretta McGillian was from New
York; and
WHEREAS, She and her siblings, John, Joan, Eileen and Loretta, grew up
in a small community in upstate New York called Green Island; and
WHEREAS, When Mary Catherine McDevitt was 17 years-old, she and her
family moved to Brooklyn, New York; they settled in Bay Ridge on 73rd
Street and 83 years later, Mary still calls it home; and
WHEREAS, A devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Angels since 1926, Mary
Catherine McDevitt has enjoyed working for the Church; she has also
volunteered her time for many church activities as well as numerous
civic activities; and
WHEREAS, Professionally, Mary Catherine McDevitt worked at Osbourne's
Office Supply and then Morgan Guaranty where she excelled as a private
secretary; and
WHEREAS, Mary Catherine McDevitt married Andrew McDevitt on August 31,
1941, at St. Patrick's Church in Brooklyn, New York; she became a wife,
mother and full-time homemaker to Andrew and their six children, Mary
Ann, Andrea, Michael, Loretta, James and Joseph; today, she is the proud
grandmother of 16 grandchildren and has 26 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; 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, This beloved lady has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last 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
congratulate Mary Catherine McDevitt upon the occasion of celebrating
her 100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Catherine McDevitt.