LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Florence Hagan on her 101st Birth-
day

WHEREAS, Florence Hagan was born on May 27, 1910 on Blandina Street in
Utica, New York, one of seven children and the daughter of a shoe
cobbler, and still lives in a house in Utica; and
WHEREAS, Florence Hagan has a theory for why she's 101 years old and
healthy; she attributes her longevity to the fact that she prays a lot
and plays a lot of bridge, averaging three times a week; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Mohawk Valley Bridge Association and the
Utica Bridge League, Florence Hagan has achieved Silver Life Master
status; she started playing in 1945 and still enjoys it today, believing
that bridge is what keeps her going, and her mind occupied, because of
the concentration it requires; and
WHEREAS, Florence Hagan graduated from St. Agnes School in 1923, Utica
Free Academy in 1927, and the Utica School of Commerce in 1928 and spent
most of her career working as a secretary for an insurance company; and
WHEREAS, In 1937, she married Lawrence Hagan, who passed away in 1998
at the age of 89, and has three children, seven grandchildren and six
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, After celebrating her 100th birthday last year at a party
with exactly 100 people in attendance, this year Florence Hagan marked
her 101st birthday with multiple smaller celebrations near her May 27th
birthday; and
WHEREAS, Shortly before her birthday, Florence Hagan joyously attended
her granddaughter's wedding in North Carolina and was able to celebrate
her birthday with family as part of that trip and, when she returned,
the Mohawk Valley Bridge Association and the Utica Bridge League had a
party for her at which there was both strawberry shortcake and chocolate
cake and at which they, of course, played cards; 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 the lives of her
many friends and family; and
WHEREAS, Florence Hagan 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 Florence Hagan upon the occasion of her 101st Birthday; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Florence Hagan, Utica, New York.