LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Anna Ferris upon the occasion of
celebrating her 111th Birthday

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Anna
Ferris upon the occasion of celebrating her 111th Birthday; and
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 vital parts of, and valuable
assets to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Anna Ferris was born on February 11, 1900; she grew up in the
Little Italy neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, as the third of five chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Anna Ferris met her husband, Richard, after World War I; the
couple married on October 21, 1923, and later moved to Brooklyn, New
York, where Anna gave birth to their only child, Beatrice, named after
Anna's deceased sister; and
WHEREAS, Moving to Teaneck, New Jersey, and later to Washingtonville,
New York, Anna Ferris has four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren
and three great-great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Always a very independent lady, Anna Ferris continued to
drive, rake leaves, shovel snow and paint the interior of her home until
she was in her mid-80s; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Anna Ferris has been a participant in the Orange
County Senior Games for the past two years, in which she has won several
gold medals, one in general for being the oldest participant; and
WHEREAS, Anna has a green thumb and her large yard was always beauti-
fully landscaped; she worked many hours in her flower gardens and she
also raised a few vegetables; she always kept her home spotless, inside
and out, and took great pride in keeping it looking good; and
WHEREAS, Never one to be happy with being still for even a moment,
Anna Ferris enjoys watching TV and movies, reading, folding laundry and
doing other chores, and most especially, spending time with her family,
who love to hear her stories about when she was growing up; alert and
entertaining, she is much loved and treasured and is an inspiration to
all who know her; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to her religion, Anna Ferris prays several times a
day for her family and others, usually in the quiet and privacy of her
bedroom; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional supercentenarian, with her zest for life,
has inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; Anna
Ferris is the third oldest person living in New York State and one of
just 63 living people in the world that has been officially validated as
reaching the remarkable age of 111; 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 all those around
her; and
WHEREAS, This beloved senior citizen has enriched the lives of those
who have been privileged to know 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 Anna Ferris upon the occasion of celebrating her 111th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Anna Ferris.