Assembly Resolution No. 105

BY: M. of A. Conrad

CONGRATULATING Mary Alyce Burns upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday

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, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Mary Alyce Burns upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to
be celebrated on Wednesday, March 12, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Mary Alyce Burns was born on March 12, 1925, in Buffalo,
New York; she attended Lafayette High School and later graduated from
D'Youville College with a bachelor's degree in history; and

WHEREAS, On December 27, 1947, Mary Alyce married the late Edward B.
Burns at Holy Angels Church in Buffalo; she then left the workforce to
focus on raising their children: Alice, John, Joanne, Lois, and Mary
Ann; through the years, their family grew to include 10 grandchildren,
17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, all of whom she
deeply cherishes; and

WHEREAS, Mary Alyce Burns had always been active in her community,
serving on several Women's Organizations boards, including the Customs
and Immigration Wives Club, New York State Federation of Women's Clubs,
Honorarians and Pro-To; she was twice honored with the esteemed position
of Board President for the Buffalo Federation of Women's Clubs and St.
John the Baptist's Neumann Guild; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Mary Alyce Burns was a devoted parishioner at
St. John the Baptist in the Town of Tonawanda where she served for
several years on the Church Council and as a Eucharist Minister; she
also spent many years as a volunteer for Channel Four's Call 4 Action;
and

WHEREAS, Mary Alyce Burns, with her zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, In her leisure time, Mary Alyce Burns enjoyed meeting up
with her eight friends from college, a group known between them as "The
Girls," for dinners and lunches; four of these beloved friends took
pleasure in watching theater, and carried season tickets to Shaw
Festival in Niagara on the Lake and to Studio Arena; and

WHEREAS, Mary Alyce Burns cherishes all the time she has spent, and
continues to spend, with her family and friends over her storied life;
she reflects fondly of the time spent square dancing with her husband,

and now loves playing games such as Scrabble and Rumikub, as well as
reading with the book club she started at her senior apartment complex;
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, Mary Alyce Burns has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
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
magnificent 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 Mary Alyce Burns upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mary Alyce Burns.