Senate Resolution No. 2995

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING Leila Aquilla Dyce 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 custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
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 Leila 'Lilla' Aquilla Dyce upon the occasion of her 100th
Birthday to be celebrated on Saturday, March 28, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Leila Aquilla Dyce was born on March 29, 1920, in
Berrydale, Portland, Jamaica, West Indies; and

WHEREAS, While in Portland, Leila Aquilla Dyce was an entrepreneur,
running her own business selling local goods in the community for many
years; and

WHEREAS, Upon moving to New York and becoming a citizen of the
United States, Leila Aquilla Dyce has resided in Queens; and

WHEREAS, Since 1980, Leila Aquilla Dyce has been a pillar of her
local church, the Jamaica Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church; this
remarkable woman has a passion for people, family and her church; she is
known at SDA as a mother, prayer warrior, and active member of the
ladies ministry; and

WHEREAS, Over the years her hobbies have included singing, reciting
poetry, baking coconut drops, enjoying good music and wearing her
favorite color, pink; the things that she holds dearest are her passion
for God, helping children and the less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her 10 children, as well as
her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all who have shown her love
and support and rejoice in her many achievements; Leila Aquilla Dyce is
an inspiration to communities in New York and in Jamaica; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Leila Aquilla Dyce always has a smile, a humble spirit and a
word of encouragement for anyone; today we celebrate a woman of great
faith and a true blessing to this world; and

WHEREAS, Leila Aquilla Dyce, with her zest for life, has inspired
and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, Leila Aquilla Dyce 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 Leila Aquilla Dyce upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Leila Aquilla Dyce.