LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Thomas and Martha White upon the occa-
sion of their designation for special recognition by Our Lady of Mercy
Life Center on May 20, 2009

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to recognize and pay tribute to
those individuals of firm belief and commitment who have devoted their
purposeful lives to the service of faith and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Thomas and Martha White upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by Our Lady of Mercy Life Center at its 10th Annual
"Celebration of Life" reception to be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, Each year, Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, one of the region's
finest nursing homes, recognizes individuals who have supported Our Lady
of Mercy Life Center through their ongoing participation in activities
with its residents and whose support is reflective of the Center's core
values of compassion, reverence for each person, community and hospital-
ity; and
WHEREAS, Embodying the values of Catherine McAuley for service, Thomas
and Martha White are being honored for their compassionate acts which
have benefited countless residents of Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, as
well as for their commitment of their time and talents; their unwavering
kindness and hospitality, serve as an inspiration for all; and
WHEREAS, Thomas and Martha White have been associated with the Circle
of Mercy through years of interaction with Sisters of Mercy; they first
became connected with the Sisters of Mercy when their daughter attended
Mercy High School and while Martha's mother, Mary "Mo" Cunningham, was
cared for at McAuley Residence; additionally, Martha served as Secretary
at Mercy High School for five years prior to its closing in 1990; and
WHEREAS, Thomas and Martha White became aware of Our Lady of Mercy
Life Center in April 2000, when Martha's mother entered the facility;
Thomas and Martha immediately sought out ways to partner with the staff
to enhance the quality of life for all residents; and
WHEREAS, Thomas and Martha White have provided their support by
assisting with food drives and assembling food baskets for the needy
during the holiday season, providing flowers in the Chapel for various
holidays, aiding with services held in the Chapel on Saturdays and
transporting residents to and from church services, as well as helping
with annual events such as the resident Snow Ball; they also lend a
helping hand whenever needed and assist with everyday resident activ-
ities; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their service, a period of
constructive involvement, Thomas and Martha White have stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Thomas and Martha White have displayed
throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when persons of
such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend those indi-
viduals for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas and Martha White upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by Our Lady of Mercy Life Center on May 20, 2009;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas and Martha White.