LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Rosemary S. Nesbitt,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Rosemary S. Nesbitt of Oswego, New York, passed away on
Sunday, August 2, 2009, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Rosemary Nesbitt distinguished herself in her profession and
by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; and
WHEREAS, Rosemary Nesbitt's commitment to excellence, and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Rosemary Nesbitt 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; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 12, 1924, in Baldwinsville, New York, to the
late Matthew and Mary Louise Sinnett, Rosemary Nesbitt was educated in
the Baldwinsville schools as a child; she was a proud graduate of Syra-
cuse University majoring in theater, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1947;
and
WHEREAS, A college professor for over 40 years, Rosemary Nesbitt
educated students at Wells College, Syracuse University, and SUNY Oswe-
go; in 1955, she married George R. Nesbitt, Sr., who predeceased her in
1971; and
WHEREAS, In 1959, Rosemary Nesbitt adopted Oswego as her home, and
worked tirelessly to bring to life the rich history of the Oswego area;
she was a distinguished teaching professor at The State University of
New York at Oswego where she will be fondly remembered as an inspiring
educator and as the director of the Oswego children's theater; she held
this position for 20 years, during which time she authored 15 plays for
children; and
WHEREAS, Rosemary Nesbitt's devotion to children is also revealed in
the two historical novels she wrote for children, including THE GREAT
ROPE, and COLONEL MEACHAM'S GIANT CHEESE; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her professional activities, Rosemary Nesbitt
also was very active in civic affairs and volunteerism; she was the
founder and director of the H. Lee White Marine Museum, retiring from
the directorship in 2008; she served as the first and only female chair-
person of the Port of Oswego Authority for ten years; for eight years
she served as Campaign Chair Person for the United Way; and
WHEREAS, Rosemary Nesbitt spearheaded the establishment of several
historical monuments in Oswego; a monument to the women and children of
the northern frontier was erected during the Bicentennial followed by a
monument honoring the American war dead from the Battle of Oswego in
1814; Mrs. Nesbitt along with a group of local visionaries created a
summer festival in 1987 called Oswegofest, which eventually grew into
what is now known as Harborfest; and
WHEREAS, One of Rosemary Nesbitt's proudest accomplishments was a
yearlong research project which secured Dr. Mary Edwards Walker a posi-
tion in the National Women's Hall of Fame; as city historian, Mrs.
Nesbitt was responsible for the oversight of historic development within
the city including the preservation of the Oswego West Pierhead Light-
house; and

WHEREAS, Some of Rosemary Nesbitt's many other accomplishments
include: Woman of The Year in Cultural Development (Post Standard)
1971; State University of NY's Chancellor's award for Excellence in
teaching 1972-1973; "Citizen of The Year" Oswego Jaycees 1974; George R.
Arents Pioneer medal for Achievement in Education (Syracuse University)
1975; Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge George Washington Honors Medal
1975; Oswego Zonta Woman of the Year Amelia Earhart award 1994; and
"Woman of Distinction" New York State Senate 2002, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Rosemary Nesbitt is also listed in:
WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA, DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN AUTHORS, CONTEMPORARY LEAD-
ERS OF AMERICA, and 2000 OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF THE WORLD; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her sister Patricia Flammer, Rosemary Nesbitt
is survived by her brother John, son, George, three daughters, Mary,
Anne, and Elizabeth, six grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brian, Alexandra,
Emily, Devlin, and Chloe, and many nieces and nephews; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Rosemary S. Nesbitt, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Rosemary S. Nesbitt.