Senate Resolution No. 2256

BY: Senator STEC

CONGRATULATING Dorothy Pelkey upon the occasion of
celebrating her 102nd 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 Dorothy "Dot" Pelkey upon the occasion of her 102nd
Birthday which was celebrated on April 8, 2024; this remarkable
milestone coincided with the total solar eclipse, a rare celestial event
and moment of significance and wonder for Dot on her special day; and

WHEREAS, Born on April 8, 1922 to Leo and Melvina Lafave, Dorothy
Lafave grew up with five brothers and graduated from Altona Central
School in 1942; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Lafave and Norman Pelkey were united in marriage in
July of 1943, and together they raised four daughters and a son; they
also helped raise two foster daughters for more than seven years; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, over time, this gracious family shared their
home with nearly 20 people, including an elderly Aunt during winter
months, an exchange student from Columbia, two sisters who wanted to
finish school in Altona before moving with family, and others who just
needed a place to stay for a few days or several months; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Pelkey worked at CVPH, the Diamond Match Company,
and Vanity Fair, before beginning her illustrious career at Georgia
Pacific, where she retired after 23 years of service; and

WHEREAS, With a passion for gardening, Dorothy Pelkey always had a
large vegetable garden and picked hundreds of pints of blueberries and
wild strawberries from which she would make jam; she also picked apples
and potatoes in the fall; and

WHEREAS, A woman of indomitable faith and dedication, Dorothy and
her husband were very active in the church of Saint Louis of France in
Sciota, New York, helping with harvest dinners and walking children to
religion classes; she also taught religion for many years; and

WHEREAS, Today, Dorothy Pelkey remains active in the Senior Housing
building where she lives independently; she helps plan and prepare
gatherings, such as monthly pot-luck luncheons and summertime yard sales
for which she bakes several loaves of bread; she also loves playing
bingo, card games, making puzzles, and checking scratch off tickets she
often gets as gifts; and


WHEREAS, While she is passionate about many things, above all her
greatest love is her family; in addition to her five children, she has
nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and eight
great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Pelkey, 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, Dorothy Pelkey has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the profound
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 Dorothy Pelkey upon the occasion of celebrating her 102nd
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dorothy Pelkey.