Senate Resolution No. 483

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Waveney Saul Duke,
distinguished citizen and devoted 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; Waveney Saul Duke was one such
individual; and

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

WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke of Brooklyn, New York, died on February
6, 2025, at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke was born on April 8, 1930, in Victoria,
Guyana, the second child of the late Mildred (Melville) and Patrick
Saul; and

WHEREAS, Having attended Cove & John Episcopal Primary School, the
Carnegie School of Home Economics, and the Georgetown Public Hospital
School of Nursing, Waveney Saul Duke was well educated and developed a
passion for nursing and caring for others; and

WHEREAS, For many years she worked at Georgetown Public Hospital in
the Ears, Nose, and Throat unit and as a midwife in the rural areas of
Guyana; and

WHEREAS, On February 23, 1957, Waveney married Gordon Duke, a
sergeant in the Guyana Police, and together they shared the joy of
raising six children, Avis, Melvin, Malcolm, Michelle, Morton, and Mark;
and

WHEREAS, Upon moving to the United States of America in 1972 to
pursue better opportunities for her family, Waveney Saul Duke worked as
a registered nurse at the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged until
her retirement; and

WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke was fulfilled by enriching the lives of
others; she was an avid Unity member, a devout member of Saint
Augustine's Episcopal Church, and a passionate traveler that had the
privilege of visiting nearly every continent; and

WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke is survived by her children, Melvin,
Malcolm, Michelle, Morton, and Mark; daughters-in-law, Charmaine and
Betty; 11 grandchildren, Chinua, Jelani, Chidi, Adisa, Jann-Kheri,
Allissa, Chuma, Chad, Damani, Makenna, and Channer; great-granddaughter,
Amara; her siblings, George, Sybil, James, Hugh, Aubrey, Desmond, and
Edgar; and in-laws, Venice, Joyce, Brenda and Ruth; as well as a
multiplicity of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins,

and friends; she is predeceased by her child, Avis; and siblings,
Doreen, Mazle-Mae, and Pansy; and

WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke'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, Waveney Saul Duke 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 Waveney Saul Duke, 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 Waveney Saul Duke.