LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sister Mary Stanisia Mendel upon the
occasion of her 100th Birthday on March 19, 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
Sister Mary Stanisia Mendel upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday on
Thursday, March 19, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary Stanisia, also know as Cecilia Mendel, was born
on March 19, 1909, in Buffalo, New York; she is the youngest of nine
children born to the late Valentine and Frances (Gburek) Mendel; and
WHEREAS, Although baptized at St. Adalbert Church, Cecilia Mendel was
a member of St. John Gualbert Parish in Cheektowaga, New York; she
entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on June 24, 1927,
and professed perpetual vows on August 14, 1935; and
WHEREAS, She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from
Mount St. Joseph College, now known as Medaille College, in Buffalo, New
York; she then went on to obtain a Master of Arts degree from St. Bona-
venture University, St. Bonaventure, New York; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary Stanisia began her ministry in education teaching
the third grade at St. Mary School, New York Mills, New York; she spent
a total of nine years ministering as a teacher intermittently within the
Syracuse Diocese and then 47 years within the Diocese of Buffalo teach-
ing students at the intermediate and junior high levels; and
WHEREAS, Eleven of those years, Sister Mary Stanisia spent at the
Immaculate Heart of Mary Home for Children, in Cheektowaga, New York,
where she taught the fifth grade; she also served as teacher and princi-
pal for six years at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Batavia, New York;
and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Sister Mary Stanisia began to work at St. James
School in Depew, New York, on a part-time basis; two years later she
resumed full-time teaching at St. Hyacinth School in Dunkirk, New York,
and Queens of Martyr School in Cheektowaga, New York; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Sister Mary Stanisia, beginning in 1957, spent a
total of 33 summers teaching in a Summer School of Religion at Stephen
the King Parish in Oswego, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since 1988, Sister Mary Stanisia has been ministering at
Queens of Martyrs Parish; she taught fifth grade and eventually became a
tutor at the school; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary Stanisia was an outstanding teacher who loved
children and not only taught them their lessons but also encouraged them
to reach out to others and serve their community; and
WHEREAS, In July of 2003, at the age of 94, Sister Mary Stanisia
became a home aide at Queen of Martyrs Convent; today, she continues to
assist the sisters in various ways, making chocolate candy for different
occasions and being present to the parish community; 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 of God has always given enlight-
enment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to her care and has
administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal
needs of all; 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 Sister Mary Stanisia upon the occasion of her 100th Birth-
day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Mary Stanisia.