LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Cecelia Mary Craven upon the occa-
sion of her designation for special recognition on May 1, 2010

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 vital parts of, and valuable
assets 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 Cecelia Mary Craven upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition, and to wish her a Happy 90th Birthday to be cele-
brated on May 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The festivities will be held at McCormack Hall of St. Ambrose
Parish in Latham, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 17, 1920, in Middleton, County Cork, Ireland,
Cecilia Craven attended the local school and left it to support her
family at age 12; she and her brother came to the United States in 1935,
where she served in a variety of jobs; and
WHEREAS, Cecilia Craven later attended St. Francis School of Nursing
in Port Jervis, New York; she worked at St. Peter's Hospital in Brooklyn
and continued to financially support her family in Ireland; and
WHEREAS, Cecilia Craven was married on August 18, 1945, in Indian
Orchard, Massachusetts, and later honeymooned in Lake George, New York;
settling in Brooklyn, she and her husband helped her family migrate to
the United States from Ireland; and
WHEREAS, Along with her young daughter, Mary, Cecilia Craven and her
husband moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, and lived there from 1956-
1962; the family then moved to Wilton, New York, where Cecilia worked at
the Wilton Development Center until her retirement in the late 1970s;
after her husband's death in 1982, she moved to the Bronx in 1986, and
later to her current residence in Watervliet in 1992; and
WHEREAS, While in the Capital District, Cecilia Craven has served as
an AIDS volunteer and as a Friendly Advisor to the Sisters of Saint
Joseph; she is a faithful member of St. Ambrose Parish; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional nonagenarian, 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 all those around
her; and
WHEREAS, Cecelia Mary Craven has enriched the lives of those who have
been privileged to know 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, Truly an extraordinary woman who has led an exemplary life of
humanitarian service, Cecelia Mary Craven is defined by simple modesty
and a boundless energy that is amazing and inspiring; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her son, Thomas, and her husband, with Cecilia
throughout has been her daughter, Mary, who feels privileged to be a
part of her life and rejoices in her achievements; 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 nine decades, while them-
selves 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 Cecelia Mary Craven upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition, and to wish her a Happy 90th Birthday to be
celebrated on May 1, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Cecelia Mary Craven.