Senate Resolution No. 1442

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Camille Brandon, a
trailblazer for women in politics, devoted wife,
mother and grandmother, and distinguished member of
her community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Camille Brandon was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Camille Brandon, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Camille Brandon of Cheektowaga, New York, died on Monday,
October 23, 2023, at the age of 79; and

WHEREAS, An expert in state government and politics with a
particular focus on Upstate New York, Camille Brandon served as the
Western New York Office Director for O'Donnell & Associates, where she
offered her clients vital insights from a lifetime of experience in
direct engagement with elected officials and community leaders, as well
as an insider's knowledge of how to achieve results; and

WHEREAS, Among her many successes, Camille Brandon was most proud of
helping to save a local social, health and human services provider in
danger of closing; she worked diligently to coordinate different
branches of government and coordinate community engagement with families
and neighbors to keep the provider's door open; and

WHEREAS, Camille Brandon played an integral part in legislation
creating the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission and continued to
work with New York State to ensure the Commission's success; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she was instrumental in the successful
completion of projects as diverse as the new Albright-Knox-Gundlach Art
Gallery (AKG), the Strong Museum in Rochester, the Buffalo Zoo, and the
new splash pads in Cheektowaga; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Camille Brandon held several positions in government,
including serving as Deputy County Clerk under (former Congressman)
Chris Jacobs and (now Governor) Kathy Hochul; she also worked in the
Administration of Erie County Executive Dennis T. Gorski; and

WHEREAS, Camille Brandon also gave tirelessly of her time and
energies to the Buffalo City Court system, as well as several law firms
in the private sector; prior to joining O'Donnell & Associates, she
spent a decade solving problems for one of New York's largest government
affairs firms; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her considerable public sector experience,
Camille Brandon was involved in many professional associations and local
community organizations; she was a member of several nonprofits, and
served as Vice President of the Pulaski Association at the time of her
death; she previously chaired the Cheektowaga Youth Services and
Citizens Police Advisory Boards and sat on the board of the YWCA
Institute for Public Leadership Planning; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her lifetime of public service, Camille Brandon
was an integral part of several national, state and local campaigns, and
was an influential figure in Erie County politics for decades; and

WHEREAS, Born to Herman and Carmela Lafferty on March 4, 1944,
Camille Brandon had a smile that lit up a room and a way of making all
of those with whom she came in contact feel good about themselves; she
was full of life and everything she did, she did with determination and
beauty; and

WHEREAS, Camille Brandon is survived by her husband, Robert J.
Brandon; two children, Craig (Sara) Brandon and Heather (James) Sondel;
two grandchildren, Will Brandon and Peter Sondel; and a sister, Pamela
(Allen Andrukat) Lafferty; and

WHEREAS, Camille Brandon's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Camille Brandon leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; 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 Camille Brandon, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further

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