Senate Resolution No. 585

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Margaret E. McGruder-Collins upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition
by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
New York at its Celebration of Women Luncheon

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins has given not only of her time
and energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Margaret
E. McGruder-Collins upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York
to be recognized at its Celebration of Women Luncheon on Saturday, March
25, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Each year, New York State officially sets aside time to
recognize the unique contributions that New York women have made to New
York State and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins has been called upon to
contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, A truly multifaceted individual and a qualified nurse from
Suffolk Community College, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins went on to earn
a Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies degree from Liberty University and a
Business Management and Accounting degree from Howard University; and

WHEREAS, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins' illustrious career as a nurse
has traversed more than 18 years; today, she is a traveling nurse who
selflessly attends to her patients in a variety of settings, including
correctional facilities, in-home hospice and palliative care,
residential treatment, and rehabilitation centers; and

WHEREAS, Finding time for all her passions, Margaret E.
McGruder-Collins is also a travel agent and legal Nurse Consultant,
appearing in court as an expert witness, as well as the proud business
owner of Mobile Notary & Signing Company, and a Trucking Logistics
Company; and

WHEREAS, Prior to her Mobile Notary and Signing Agent Business,
Margaret E. McGruder-Collins spent 20 years as a notary public and
insurance underwriter for AIG Insurance Company; and

WHEREAS, After being diagnosed with cancer in 2014, Margaret E.
McGruder-Collins created PinkFire collective, where she works to improve
the lives and experiences of cancer patients by adhering to the premise
of treating the "whole" person; and

WHEREAS, Under her able leadership, the PinkFire collective provides
individuals with cancer with rides to treatment appointments as well as
support prior to surgery, 24/7 phone counseling, school supplies, and
gifts for the holidays for children with parents affected by the tragic
condition; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the initiative works with the Long Island
Branch of the Fire Fighters Cancer Support Network to spread the
importance of fire personnel screening, prevention, and treatment
efforts; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to helping others, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins
is a member of Deborah Chapter No. 31 Eureka Grand Chapter Prince Hall
Order of Eastern Star, Inc., Prince Hall Medical Foundation, Al Maseer
Court No. 226 Oasis of Amityville, Desert of New York, AEAONMS, American
Nursing Association, National League of Nurses, NAACP, Fire Fighter
Cancer Support Network, Pink Shoes, Inc., and LI Breast Cancer
Coalition; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Margaret E. McGruder-Collins
has displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Margaret E. McGruder-Collins upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of New York at its Celebration of Women Luncheon; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Margaret E. McGruder-Collins.