Assembly Resolution No. 352

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

HONORING Diane Edwards upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the New York
State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Diane
Edwards upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers
Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in
The Egg, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and

WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape
our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our
freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have
better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more
visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Diane Edwards has continually demonstrated extreme
competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in her
unwavering service to her community and, consequently, has been selected
for this most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, Upon her retirement after a distinguished 43-year career,
Diane Edwards began giving of her time and energies to the Schuyler
County Office for the Aging where she used her financial background as a
HIICAP volunteer; she also transported older adults who were unable to
drive to medical appointments; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Diane Edwards also utilizes her financial background to
assist members of her church, the Keuka Lake Association, and the
Corning Civic Music Association to manage and protect their assets; and

WHEREAS, After losing her husband of 39 years to dementia in 2012,
Diane Edwards began volunteering for the Alzheimer's Association where
she helps plan and host social events, and provides seminars to educate
people on the causes of dementia as well as how best to cope with the
challenges; and

WHEREAS, Diane Edwards grew up in Waverly, New York, and graduated
from Elmira College with a degree in economics; she went on to earn a
Master's in Business Administration from Cornell University, before
working in merchandising and financial management at Sears Roebuck in
Chicago; and


WHEREAS, In 1999, Diane Edwards returned to the Finger Lakes area to
care for her aging parents; during this time she became the
administrative head of the Department of Applied Economics and
Management (Dyson School) at Cornell University, a position she held
until her retirement in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Diane Edwards has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her son, Jon, and her three
stepdaughters, Sandi, Amy and Nicole, who have all shown her love and
support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Diane Edwards has enriched the lives of her family, friends
and colleagues through her love and respect for others, and through the
wisdom which comes from many years of living life to the fullest; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Diane Edwards upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Diane Edwards.