LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary A. Ward upon the occasion of cele-
brating her 100th Birthday on November 26, 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 honor Mary
A. Ward upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday on November
26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, In honor of this most auspicious occasion, Mary A. Ward's
neighbors from the Wantagh Senior Citizen Housing Complex hosted a
Surprise 100th Birthday Luncheon on November 25, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Lito Amande, Associate Pastor of St. Frances de
Chantal Parish, Wantagh, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in Mary A.
Ward's home on Thanksgiving Day, her 100th Birthday, in the presence of
numerous friends and relatives; following Mass, Father Lito joined the
Wards in a traditional Irish party consisting of song, laughter and good
conversation; and
WHEREAS, On November 28, 2009, Mary A. Ward's family hosted a recep-
tion to celebrate her amazing life at Villa Carmela Italian Bistro,
which was attended by 40 family members and friends, including a grand
niece from England; and
WHEREAS, Mary A. Ward, the oldest of eight children, was born in
Ballybay, County Monaghan, Ireland on November 26, 1909; she departed
from Ireland on her 18th birthday bound for New York aboard Anchor Lines
T.S.S. Transylvania; and
WHEREAS, She was met in New York by her Uncle Peter and quickly found
employment with the New York Telephone Company as an Information Opera-
tor; in 1933, she married the late James Ward Sr.; together they had
four sons and today, she is the proud grandmother of 11 and great-grand-
mother of 18; 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 A. Ward upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary A. Ward.