LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Audrey M. France, renowned
public servant, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of her commu-
nity

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to
their community and their profession served to enhance the quality of
life in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Audrey M. France of Port Crane, New York, died on Tuesday,
November 24, 2015, at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, One of three children born to Dorothy and Ernie Youngs,
Audrey M. France grew up working in her father's landmark store in Port
Crane, a small hub of emergency response with four telephones, two radio
transmitters, two radio receivers and a Binghamton police radio monitor;
and
WHEREAS, Shortly after the death of Audrey's father in 1981, the coun-
ty took over dispatch operations and a year later, hired Audrey to work
in fire control operations where she was a source of advice and good
spirits to her coworkers; and
WHEREAS, As a dispatcher for Broome County Fire and EMS for 23 years,
Audrey M. France was attentive and sensitive especially in a stressful
job such as emergency response when calls can be nonstop throughout the
day; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this esteemed woman showed great attention to
the police officers and firefighters she assisted, as well as caring for
the public who sought her help in an emergency; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Mom", Audrey M. France easily fell
into that familiar role to her younger colleagues, always giving gifts
and sharing the fruits of her labors; and
WHEREAS, Audrey M. France shared a love of knitting and crocheting
with her friends and always kept a number of cotton dish cloths on hand
so that she had a gift to bring with her anytime she visited someone;
and
WHEREAS, It was Audrey M. France's delicious cooking that unified all
of her friends and family, especially her homemade macaroni and cheese
which was said to be the "best mac and cheese in the Western world"; and
WHEREAS, Audrey M. France and her late husband, Bill, were an instru-
mental force in charity car shows and members of the Cruisin Buddies Car
Club, owning a red 1967 Dodge Charger that their son, Kevin, had
restored; and
WHEREAS, Audrey M. France lived her life believing one must be know-
ledgeable about their past, active in their present and concerned and
willing to work for their future; her passion for the community will
truly be missed by all those who were lucky enough to know her; and
WHEREAS, Audrey M. France was sincerely loved and greatly respected by
all those with whom she worked; committed to her community, the people
she represented, her State, and her Nation, she served her public with
dignity, dedication and incisive wisdom; and
WHEREAS, Over a long and meritorious life of service on behalf of
others, Audrey M. France was a woman of action, of integrity, and of
commitment, whose true compassion was generously given to all who knew
her; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her parents, Audrey M. France is survived by
her sons, Jeffrey (Perpetua Megwa) France and Kevin (Tammy) France; and
several grandchildren, Shannon and Evan Buschbacher, Melanie and Joseph
Garite, Stephen O'Neil and Matthew France; as well as her great-grand-
son, Logan Garite; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Audrey M. France leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Audrey M. France, renowned public servant, distin-
guished citizen, and devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Audrey M. France.