LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Eileen Downey upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Parish of St. Anselm on
Friday, April 20, 2012

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Eileen Downey upon the occasion of her designation for special recogni-
tion by the Parish of St. Anselm on Friday, April 20, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Eileen Downey, daughter of Joan and John Owens, has been a
lifelong resident of Bay Ridge and a member of St. Anselm's parish since
she was two years old; she entered St. Anselm Catholic School in Septem-
ber 1963; and
WHEREAS, Eileen Downey and her four younger siblings all graduated
from St. Anselm School; while attending St. Anselm's, she was a Girl
Scout, a twirler, a member of the 8th grade folk group during 12:30
Mass, and a cheerleader; and
WHEREAS, In her younger years, Eileen Downey knew that she wanted to
be a teacher, and is thankful for the education she received at St.
Anselm's; after graduating, she attended St. Joseph Hill Academy and
remained very active in the parish and school; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from high school, Eileen Downey attended
Pace University; while in college, she was a Brownie troop co-leader for
her youngest sister's Brownie troop and worked part-time at Morgan Guar-
anty; in 1979, she earned her bachelor's degree in education; and
WHEREAS, In May 1981, Eileen Downey married her husband, Patrick at
St. Anselm's Church; they have two daughters, Maureen and Katie who
were also students at St. Anselm's; and
WHEREAS, As a parent of St. Anselm students, Eileen Downey recommenced
her volunteer work at the school, teaching remedial reading, accelerated
reading, working as a Kindergarten aide, and a substitute teacher;
during that time, she also became a Brownie co-leader once again for her
daughter's Brownie troop; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Sr. Eileen Mary hired Eileen Downey as a full-time
substitute teacher and in September 1992, she was hired as a full-time
teacher and has been teaching at St. Anselm's Catholic School ever
since; and
WHEREAS, Eileen Downey has had the privilege of teaching over 1,200
graduates at St. Anselm's during her 20 years as an educator; as a
teacher and parishioner, she still actively volunteers at various school
and parish events and can be seen from time to time at different after-
school activities supporting her students; and
WHEREAS, Eileen Downey has very fond memories of St. Anselm School and
parish, as a student, teacher and parent; she still has many close
friends from her days as a student at the school; and
WHEREAS, St. Anselm's has been such an integral part of Eileen
Downey's life so much that in the 36 years between 1963 and 1999, some-
one from her family, including herself, a sibling or her daughters, were
enrolled in St. Anselm's School for all but three years; and
WHEREAS, The principles of Eileen Downey's Catholic upbringing and her
foundation at St. Anselm's have allowed her to pass on her beliefs to
her daughters and students; known as her true home away from home, St.
Anselm's will always hold a special place in her heart; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the wellbeing and vitality of their community and have shown a

long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Eileen Downey upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Parish of St. Anselm; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Eileen Downey.