LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Geri Ilene Fessler, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Geri Ilene Fessler of Merrick, New York died on December 21,
2011, at the age of 50; and
WHEREAS, Geri Fessler was founder of the Heather on Earth Music Foun-
dation; born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 13, 1961, she was a life-
long resident of Merrick; and
WHEREAS, Geri Fessler founded the Heather on Earth Music Foundation to
honor the memory of her daughter Heather Samone, who passed away on
September 28, 1985; the foundation's purpose mirrored Geri's endlessly
positive outlook on life, which she lived by the words Smile, Live,
Love, Laugh, along with her lifelong love of music; and
WHEREAS, This particular nonprofit organization is the first of its
kind created solely to provide support for the implementation and subse-
quent ongoing advocacy of music therapy programs in children's hospitals
from New York to Tel Aviv, Israel; and
WHEREAS, Geri Fessler was a remarkable woman who made it her life's
work to deliver the magic of music into children's hearts as they are
healing; and
WHEREAS, In May of 1999, Geri Fessler received a Woman of Distinction
Award, and in September of 2007, she earned "The More Wonderful World
Award" from the Louis Armstrong School of Music and Medicine, Beth Isra-
el Hospital, New York City; and
WHEREAS, Geri Fessler distinguished herself in her profession and by
her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; and
WHEREAS, Geri Fessler's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Along with her daughter, Heather, Geri Fessler was also
predeceased by her father, Stephen Rosenbaum; she is survived by
husband, Eric, her children, Gillian, Shaina, and Taryn, her mother,
Myrna and her sister, Mara; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, Geri Fessler leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Geri Ilene Fessler, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Geri Ilene Fessler.