Senate Resolution No. 1781

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Evelyn Wagoner upon the occasion of
celebrating 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those outstanding individuals who have helped build and shape
this Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Evelyn Wagoner upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday,
which was celebrated with a party held in her honor at the First
Presbyterian Church in Boonville, New York, on Sunday, May 19, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn was born on May 19, 1919, to loving parents, Alfred
and Mabel Vernon; she grew up in Utica, New York, where she attended
Kemble School and Utica Free Academy; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman went on to earn a degree in
elementary education at Cortland Normal School and Syracuse University;
she held her first teaching position in Boonville, New York, in 1942;
and

WHEREAS, It was in Boonville that Evelyn met Newell Wagoner; the
couple were united in marriage in 1945, at the First Presbyterian Church
in Utica, New York; they remained happily married for 73 years, until
his passing in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Wagoner took time off from teaching to raise her two
children, Jackie and Bill; she would eventually return to teaching in
the Adirondack School District, which she did for many years; and

WHEREAS, In addition to teaching, Evelyn Wagoner was involved in
many community activities, including the Boonville Fair; and

WHEREAS, Family and religion have always been an important facet of
Evelyn Wagoner's life; she is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
where she sang in the choir for many years; she loves music and singing,
and enjoys her prayer and coffee groups, many of whom visit her, along
with her friends, neighbors and caregivers; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Wagoner adores the company of her two cats, Fred and
Blackie; she contributes her longevity to her faith, a happy marriage,
her friends and family, and staying active; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her loving children, Bill and
his wife, Lori, and Jackie and her husband, Trace, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; 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
recognize 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 Evelyn Wagoner upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Evelyn Wagoner.