Senate Resolution No. 292

BY: Senator LITTLE

MOURNING the death of former New York State
Assemblywoman Chloe Ann O'Neil, dedicated educator,
political leader and strong advocate for the people
of this great Empire State

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, Chloe Ann O'Neil of Parishville, New York, died on
Thursday, November 15, 2018, at the age of 75; and

WHEREAS, Born in Watseka, Illinois in 1943 to Stephen Whittier Tehon
and Betty Irene Albright, Chloe Ann Rene Tehon shared her father's keen
intellect and compassion and her mother's tenacity and forthrightness;
and

WHEREAS, John G.A. O'Neil and the former Chloe Ann Tehon were united
in marriage in April of 1966, at Sacred Heart Church in Cicero, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Chloe Ann O'Neil earned both a bachelors and master's
degree from SUNY Potsdam before beginning her illustrious career in
education at the Parishville-Hopkinton Central School, where her
reputation as a teacher was legendary; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman served in the state's then 112th
Assembly District from 1993 until her retirement in 1998; she surprised
many when she ran for, and won, the seat held by her late husband; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being a renowned politician and teacher,
Chloe Ann O'Neil was a noted amateur painter and longtime supporter of
North Country artists and tourism; her quilt-making talents have filled
many homes with joy and warmth; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to her community, Chloe Ann O'Neil was a
volunteer at Canton-Potsdam Hospital and served on the SUNY Canton
College Council and College Foundation Board; she was an active
community member and civic leader in St. Lawrence County and across the
North Country; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "MomO" by her family and close
friends, Chloe Ann O'Neil influenced and touched countless lives; she is
fondly remembered for her strong advocacy, creativity, and ceaseless
dedication to helping others; and

WHEREAS, Preceded in death by the love of her life, former New York
State Assemblyman John G.A. O'Neil, her parents Betty and Stephen Tehon,
and sister-in-law, Sr. Janice O'Neil, Chloe Ann O'Neil is survived by
her two children, Beth Ann (Stephen) and John (Meganne); and seven
grandchildren, Krisha Ann, Keeley, Kaleb, John, David, Kathleen and

Hannah; as well as her sisters, Susan, Rebecca, Penelope and Candace;
sister-in-law, Myrna; and several nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Every citizen in New York State has most certainly
benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence
and commitment that Chloe Ann O'Neil brought to her work as an educator,
legislator and public policy-maker; loyal friend and trusted advisor,
she will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of former New York State Assemblywoman Chloe Ann O'Neil,
dedicated educator, political leader and strong advocate for the people
of this great Empire State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Chloe Ann O'Neil.