LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Esther Cotton upon the occasion of
her 100th 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Esther
Cotton upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday, which was
celebrated on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at her home with dozens of family,
friends, relatives, neighbors and well-wishers in attendance; and
WHEREAS, Esther Cotton was born on April 7, 1912, in Lycoming County,
Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, As a child, Esther Cotton milked the cows and rode a horse to
school; in high school, she walked six miles through the woods with a
lantern to catch the bus; and
WHEREAS, Esther Cotton married Roy Cotton and the couple moved to
Batavia, New York; they had two children, Richard and Linda; and
WHEREAS, Today, Esther Cotton is the proud grandmother of eight grand-
children and seven great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, Esther Cotton was active in the Methodist
Church, Eastern Star, and as a volunteer at Genesee Memorial Hospital's
snack bar and school; and
WHEREAS, Esther Cotton and her late husband, Roy, were also active in
the Oak Orchard Yacht Club and Oak Orchard Power Squadron; 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, 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, This beloved woman 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 Esther Cotton upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Esther Cotton.