LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Martha Pattenden upon the occasion
of her 105th Birthday

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 a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Martha Pattenden was born Martha Rose Radke on February 1,
1906, in Buffalo, New York; remarkably, she has lived through 17 United
States presidents, starting with Teddy Roosevelt; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Martha Pattenden is the loving mother of two daughters, and
the adoring grandmother of eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchil-
dren; her sister, Florence Schwab, is also a proud centenarian at 101;
and
WHEREAS, Martha Pattenden was married twice; her first husband,
Frederick, the father of her children, died in 1959; she later married
Clifford Pattenden who has also passed away; and
WHEREAS, While raising her children, Martha Pattenden was skilled at
making her daughters' clothes, including coats, dresses, prom dresses
and even bridesmaid dresses; she was always baking doughnuts, keukens,
breads, fruitcakes, and cookies at Christmas time; and
WHEREAS, Having lived through the Great Depression, Martha Pattenden
knows the meaning of hard work; in addition to raising her children, she
worked in numerous professions throughout her lifetime, including as an
employee in a candy factory, a sales associate at a local store, and an
instructor for the Singer Sewing Machine Company; furthermore, she
earned her diploma to become a Red Cross nurse's aide; and
WHEREAS, Leaving her home in Buffalo at the age of 98, where she had
been living independently, Martha Pattenden decided to move closer to
her family; this made it possible for her to spend time with her loved
ones with visits which often included coffee and her favorite treat,
doughnuts; and
WHEREAS, A current resident at the Manlius Home, an assisted living
program, Martha Pattenden enjoys rides in the park and experiencing all
of the activity she passes by; in the summertime, she takes great pleas-
ure in relaxing on the porch; she is proud of all that she has achieved
in her life; and
WHEREAS, Martha Pattenden gave a short speech after blowing out her
birthday candles with the help of some of her loving great-grandchil-
dren; she let her descendents know helping others is the true key to
happiness in life; her many experiences have gifted her with the wisdom
to know what truly makes one joyful; she believes wholeheartedly it is
what you give to others that makes you happy and to always remember life
is what you make it; and
WHEREAS, This amazing woman, kind and gentle in spirit, is an inspira-
tion to everyone who knows her; she approaches life with determination,
reaching out with a soft touch and a smile, often singing, dancing and
recalling German songs from years ago; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; 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 Martha Pattenden upon the occasion of celebrating her 105th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Martha Pattenden, Manlius, New York.