Senate Resolution No. 2718

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Frances Gibbs, renowned
former Mayor of the City of Peekskill, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent woman of indomitable faith and dedication
whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as
a paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs of Peekskill, New York, died on October 30,
2019, at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Peekskill, Frances Gibbs was the
daughter of Elias and Rose Schneps, who operated the Top Notch Bakery
after moving to New York City from Debica, Poland in the early part of
the 20th century; and

WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs, affectionately known as Fran, graduated from
New York University where she was the first woman to hold the position
of Class President and was also Editor of the school paper; and

WHEREAS, Acknowledged for her dynamic leadership, Frances Gibbs
leaves behind an outstanding legacy of public service paired with her
experience as a small business owner, educator and participant in a wide
range of community activities; and

WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs was a featured speaker at seminars and for
panels on economic development, and was the proud recipient of countless
civic awards both locally and nationally; and

WHEREAS, After an illustrious career in education, Frances Gibbs
served for eight years on the Peekskill City Council; and

WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs went on to be elected as Peekskill's first
woman Mayor, serving for three terms (1994-1999); and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Frances Gibbs was an active member of the Peekskill
Industrial Development Agency (IDA) for many years; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, as charter board members, Frances Gibbs and
her late husband Ed played an instrumental role in the development of
the Paramount Center for the Arts and its impressive restoration;
together, they also operated Mill Run Summer Day Camp in Shrub Oak from
1950 to 1987; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her devoted husband of more than 50 years,
The Honorable Edward M. Gibbs, and her brother Jacob "Jack" Schneps,
Frances Gibbs is survived by her three sons, Donald, Stuart and Peter;
daughters-in-law, Kathleen and Lisa; three grandchildren, Rachel, Ellery
and Brandon; her brother Norton and sisters in-law Eve Schneps and Lucia
Schneps; and


WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Frances Gibbs 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 Frances Gibbs, renowned former Mayor of Peekskill,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Frances Gibbs.