LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the memory of Deborah LaRoche
Ramsaur upon the occasion of having a memorial dedicated in her honor by
the Fairport High School Class of 1974 during its 35th reunion

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who distinguished themselves through
their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives of
service to their community and their profession; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to the memory of Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur upon the occasion of having
a memorial dedicated in her honor in Potter Park in Fairport, New York,
by the Fairport High School Class of 1974 during its 35th reunion; and
WHEREAS, A 1974 graduate of Fairport High School, Deborah LaRoche
Ramsaur was working at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, where she was
the executive secretary to the Deputy Chief of Staff for the United
States Army Civilian Personnel, when terrorists flew a plane into the
building; and
WHEREAS, Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur was a quiet, unassuming straight-A
student during high school who graduated with an Accounting degree from
Monroe Community College in 1976, and married Leigh Wasenke, a 1972
graduate of Fairport High School, after his graduation from West Point;
and
WHEREAS, The couple were stationed at various Army posts throughout
the nation, including Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, where Deborah
LaRoche Ramsaur returned to school and earned a bachelor's degree in
business administration from the University of Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, After getting divorced, Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur met John
Ramsaur in Germany, where she was working for Lieutenant General Timothy
Maude, who would rehire her years later at the Pentagon; during her
career, Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur had regular contact with high-ranking
officials in the military and Congress; and
WHEREAS, Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur was one of the first awarded the
Defense of Freedom Medal, created in the weeks following the attacks to
honor civilian Department of Defense employees killed or wounded in the
line of duty, marking the first time civilians were formally recognized
for wounds received in combat; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur's memory was honored
twice in 2002: once by the state of Virginia, where she lived, which
passed a bill recognizing her and offering condolences to her family;
and then by the Army, which named a suite in her honor at the Civilian
Personnel Headquarters in Germany; and in 2003, when Monroe Community
College dedicated the September 11th Remembrance Walk on the Brighton
Campus, where she is included as an Alumnus; and
WHEREAS, Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur is survived by her husband, John;
their two children, Ann and Brian; mother, Joyce LaRoche; and brothers,
David and Ernie, all of whom felt privileged to be a part of her life
and rejoiced in her many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur 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 memory of Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur upon the occasion of
having a memorial dedicated in her honor by the Fairport High School
Class of 1974 during its 35th reunion; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Deborah LaRoche Ramsaur.