Senate Resolution No. 3204

BY: Senator KAMINSKY

MOURNING the death of Alicemarie Bresnihan,
dedicated school board trustee with 45 years of
exemplary service, retired probation officer and
devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the life
and accomplishments of individuals whose enduring commitment and
dedication significantly enhanced the quality of education in their
community; and

WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing
of Alicemarie Bresnihan on Monday, May 11, 2020, at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, The American public school system is a treasured
institution; those individuals, such as Alicemarie Bresnihan, who work
to improve our schools and ensure that all children have access to
quality educational programs merit the highest commendation of this
Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, In 1959, Alicemarie Bresnihan and her husband, John, moved
to Lynbrook, New York, and together, they raised nine children, all of
whom graduated from the local high school; actively involved in her
children's education, she was elected to the school board in 1975, and
for 45 years, tirelessly worked for the children of Lynbrook; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Alicemarie Bresnihan held the title
of president, and was a vital member of the board's Audit and Policy
committees where she worked to reduce the use of standardized tests; and

WHEREAS, Alicemarie Bresnihan earned her degree in biological
science from SUNY Old Westbury, and in addition to her important role
with the school board, she was a probation officer with Nassau County
for 20 years until her retirement in 2003; and

WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to education,
Alicemarie Bresnihan was the recipient of numerous accolades including
the Silver Bullet Award from the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards
Association and an award from the Lynbrook Council of PTAs and an award
for Academic Excellence and College Service from SUNY Old Westbury; she
was also named the Woman and Citizen of the Year by Lynbrook village
officials; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman truly believed in the children of the
Lynbrook School District, demonstrating an impressive dedication, an
unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm to continually
improve the quality of educational programs and opportunities offered to
its faculty and students as well as for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, Truly devoted to her position, Alicemarie Bresnihan was
committed to improving the schools, making them a place where students
could thrive and flourish, and providing them the tools and skills to
become successful citizens; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Alicemarie Bresnihan is
survived by Brian and Michiko, Kathleen and Sal, Kenny and Molly,
Elaine, Marion and Kevin, Donald and Emily, Claire, James and Kelly, and
Jennifer and Rachid, and 21 grandchildren, as well as numerous Lynbrook
students, teachers and administrators who will long cherish her memory;
and

WHEREAS, Over the course of her long and distinguished tenure on the
Lynbrook School Board, Alicemarie Bresnihan touched the lives of
thousands of people, and the Long Island community she served; she truly
leaves a legacy of learning and commitment which will long endure; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body is moved to mourn the death of Alicemarie Bresnihan, a
woman of great fortitude, compassion and achievement; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
pay tribute to the memory of Alicemarie Bresnihan, to celebrate her
life, and to acknowledge the significance of her contributions to
education in Lynbrook and the entire State of New York; and be it
further

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