LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Helen Ehman Cruse Dohl upon the
occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate and
recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Nation
and Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Birthday of Helen Dohl of Olean, New York; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ehman Cruse Dohl, with her zest for life, celebrated
her 100th Birthday, surrounded by family and friends, on April 14, 2012,
in Olean, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 14, 1912, near Lockport, Helen Ehman was the
eldest of five children; her father was the pastor of the Evangelical
United Brethren Church; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ehman graduated from Olean High School in 1928; she was
awarded a state scholarship to attend Buffalo State Teachers College;
she later transferred to the University of Buffalo, where she graduated
in 1932, earning secondary certification; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ehman was hired as a teacher in Jasper, then in Olean
at Schools 5, 6 and 10; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ehman married Ernest Cruse in 1940, and left the Olean
area; together, the couple raised a son, James, and relocated to Niagara
Falls, where Helen Ehman Cruse worked as a substitute teacher and church
organist; and
WHEREAS, When her husband took a new job that required travel to Syra-
cuse, Helen Ehman Cruse moved back to Olean with their son; she worked
as a high school French teacher in Allegany and later taught at Olean
High School following her husband's passing in 1956; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ehman Cruse married J. Paul Dohl in 1967; Mr. Dohl
worked for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in South
Korea, which allowed the Dohls to travel to Asia over the course of two
years; later, they traveled to Israel, Turkey, Europe and Mexico, as
well as destinations in the United States; 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 members; and
WHEREAS, This beloved lady 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 fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor the lives of beloved citizens who have reached a remark-
able age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural
developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last
century; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Helen Ehman Cruse Dohl upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Helen Ehman Cruse Dohl.