LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the memory and celebrating the life of
Lucy Tokasz

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeav-
or served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the
great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Lucy Tokasz of Cheektowaga, New York, died on Monday, March
16, 2009, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Born Lucy Pacer in Buffalo, New York, she attended Catholic
elementary schools and South Park High School before leaving to help
support her family, working for several years as a baker at Hall's
Bakery on the East Side; and
WHEREAS, In the 1950s, Lucy and her husband, Edward, operated Tokasz
Market, a grocery store located at Meadowbrook Parkway and Griswold
Street in Cheektowaga, New York; after the store closed in 1960, she
worked for many years as a sales clerk at Redlinski Meats in the Broad-
way Market, before retiring in the 1980s; and
WHEREAS, An outstanding cook and baker, especially of Polish foods,
Lucy Tokasz was even more expert at making people feel welcome in her
warm Cheektowaga home; and
WHEREAS, The mother of former New York State Assembly Majority Leader
Paul A. Tokasz, Lucy was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Doyle Hose
Company 2, and served for many years as an Erie County Elections Inspec-
tor; and
WHEREAS, A longtime member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church and the
parish's Mothers' Club, Lucy Tokasz enriched the lives of those around
her through her joyous and sincere love for others and through her
quiescent charm and wisdom; and
WHEREAS, An exceptional woman, Lucy inspired and enhanced the lives of
her family and friends with her zest for life; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her siblings, Casimir, Helen Jarosz, Joseph,
Henry, and his wife, Alice, and Irene Urbanski, Lucy Tokasz is survived
by her husband of 66 years, Edward A. Tokasz; two sons, James and his
wife, Catherine, and Paul and his wife, Sylvia; six grandchildren and
nine great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Lucy Tokasz leaves behind
a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a
comforting memory to all she loved and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the memory and celebrate the life of Lucy Tokasz, and to extend
its sincere condolences to her family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Lucy Tokasz.