LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Edna E. Sills upon the occasion of
celebrating her 100th Birthday on March 2, 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 Edna E. Sills upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday
on Monday, March 2, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Born in New York City on March 2, 1909, Edna E. Sills was the
third of four daughters born to Julius and Helen Epstein; and
WHEREAS, Edna E. Sills graduated from Hunter College in New York City
during the Great Depression, and recently was one of two people feted at
their 75th reunion celebration; and
WHEREAS, A devoted teacher, Edna E. Sills taught elementary school in
New York City from 1933 until her retirement in 1972; throughout the
years she received many accolades from students, parents and colleagues
in recognition of her tremendous commitment to her profession in which
she inspired generations of young people in their educational journeys;
and
WHEREAS, Edna E. Sills and her beloved husband, Reuben, shared many
wonderful times over the course of their 51 year marriage, among them
Broadway shows, the Metropolitan Opera, the ballet, art museums, cross-
country automobile trips, and European excursions; they moved to the
Capital District in 1977, to be closer to and enjoy their grandchildren,
as well as to partake in the area's many cultural activities; and
WHEREAS, Today, Edna E. Sills remains socially active with a number of
friends; she plays bridge at least twice a week and goes shopping weekly
with her aide Gladys, to whom she has also taught ethnic cooking; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years Edna E. Sills has always been supported
by her loving family: her son Stephen and his significant other, Beth
Smith; her grandchildren Eric and Ronnie, and their spouses, Joanne and
Tom respectively; and her five great-grandchildren, David, Jonathan,
Samantha, Anders and Sarah, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
her life and rejoice in her achievements; 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, who has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the lives of her
many friends and family; 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 come 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 Edna E. Sills 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 Edna E. Sills.