LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Dorothy Benz of Perry, New York,
upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday on August 9, 2011

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Dorothy
Benz of Perry, New York, upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday on August 9, 2011; and
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, Born on August 9, 1911, Dorothy Benz was the eldest daughter
of William W. Heath and Elizabeth Hance; raised in Williamson, New York,
she loved to play basketball in school and was extremely popular with
her classmates; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Benz attended nursing school at the University of
Rochester, where she met her future husband, John O. Benz; they were
married in 1932; and
WHEREAS, During the war, Dorothy Benz and her late husband, John,
lived in Black River, New York, where they often volunteered with the
USO and opened their home to soldiers going overseas to war; and
WHEREAS, By 1937, Dorothy and John Benz were the proud parents of
three daughters; they also opened their home to several foster children
and adopted two boys and a girl; and
WHEREAS, Upon the passing of her husband in 1959, Dorothy Benz
obtained her cosmetology license and operated a hairdressing business
from her home; she continued as an active hairdresser and businesswoman
until she retired in 1998 at 87 years of age; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Benz was an active member in the Order of the Eastern
Star (Masons) and advanced to the rank of Matron; she was very active in
the Methodist Church and in Bible study as well; and
WHEREAS, A talented painter with watercolors, Dorothy Benz's paintings
are the prized possessions of her family; in Perry, New York, she was
also involved in the Bridge Club and the Christian Science Church; she
continues to sew, read her Bible, maintain her own home, and remains an
excellent driver; and
WHEREAS, The mother of six children, all still living, Dorothy Benz
has 18 surviving grandchildren (two grandchildren have predeceased her);
she is also the great-grandmother of 47 and the great-great-grandmother
of six; 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, 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, This beloved senior citizen 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 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 Dorothy Benz of Perry, New York, upon the occasion of cele-
brating her 100th Birthday on August 9, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dorothy Benz, 9 Andrus Avenue, Perry, New York 14530.