Senate Resolution No. 2036

BY: Senator O'MARA

CONGRATULATING Phyllis H. Rigby upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those distinguished citizens who have reached a remarkable
milestone in their lives, celebrating longevity with dignity, grace, and
a wealth of experience; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Phyllis H. Rigby upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday,
to be celebrated on Saturday, June 6, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis H. Rigby was born Phyllis Hurlburt on June 6, 1926,
in Owego, New York, the daughter of Ray Edwin Hurlburt and Anna Laura
Grover Hurlburt; and

WHEREAS, She grew up alongside her two sisters, Rae Holliday and
Barbara Spateholts, and from an early age demonstrated the character and
determination that would guide her throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated student, Phyllis H. Rigby graduated from
Whitesville Central School in 1943, and continued her education at
Alfred University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1948,
graduating cum laude; she further distinguished herself by obtaining a
master's degree in Guidance from Alfred University in 1957; and

WHEREAS, On September 4, 1946, she married Roger E. Rigby, and
together they shared 48 years of devoted marriage until his passing in
September 1994; their enduring partnership was blessed with four
children: Ronald E. Rigby, Linda Sue Rigby Schiefer, Darcy Jean Rigby
Baroudi, and Brenda Rigby Riehle; and

WHEREAS, Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren and
eleven great-grandchildren, each of whom reflects the values of family,
dedication, and kindness she has instilled; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis H. Rigby devoted more than 36 years of her life to
the noble profession of education, teaching business courses and shaping
the lives of countless students; her career included service at Avoca
Central School, Whitesville Central School, Alfred State College, and
most notably Scio Central School, where she served for more than three
decades; and

WHEREAS, Beyond her professional accomplishments, Phyllis H. Rigby
has been an active and engaged member of numerous organizations,
including lifetime membership in the National Education Association and
the New York State Retired Teachers Association, as well as involvement
in the Allegany County Retired Teachers Association, the American
Association of University Women, and several local civic and social
organizations; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis H. Rigby's commitment to service is further
exemplified through her volunteer work, including her contributions to
the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board and her longstanding
membership of over 60 years with the Scio Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, In her leisure time, Phyllis H. Rigby has enjoyed
traveling, reading, volunteering, and spending cherished moments with
her family; she remains socially active, regularly participating in card
games with friends, reflecting her vibrant spirit and enduring zest for
life; and

WHEREAS, With her century of life experience, Phyllis H. Rigby has
witnessed and contributed to a period of extraordinary change, serving
as a source of wisdom, inspiration, and stability to all who know her;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble character and accomplishment are brought to
our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the
citizens of this great State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Phyllis H. Rigby upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Phyllis H. Rigby.