2009-J2284

Mourning the death of Winifred B. Swenson, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

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2009-J2284


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Winifred B. Swenson,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Winifred B. "Winnie" Swenson, a lifetime resident of Corn-
wall, New York, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the age of 93; and
WHEREAS, She was born in Florida, New York, on October 17, 1915, to
the late Louis A. Schriebeis and Anna E. Gleischner; and
WHEREAS, A parishioner of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church in Cornwall,
New York, Winifred B. Swenson graduated from Cornwall High School and
loved to reflect on her State Championship Basketball career at CHS; and
WHEREAS, Winifred B. Swenson continued her studies at NYU and obtained
her Broker's License; she married her darling husband, Harold C. Swenson
on October 13, 1940; and
WHEREAS, After graduating in 1935, Winifred B. Swenson began her
insurance career serving as secretary to William T. Wilson of the New
York Life Insurance Company; subsequently, he began his own agency, W.T.
Wilson, Inc., in 1941, and she became an officer and broker in his busi-
ness and received one share of stock; four years later, the agency
became W.A. Mannheim, Inc. and Winifred was made a full partner receiv-
ing 51% of the shares; and
WHEREAS, On June 5, 1955, she achieved her goal and named her company
Winifred Swenson Insurance; her motto became "big enough to serve you,
small enough to know you" which held true to her retirement; and
WHEREAS, A pioneer within the insurance industry, Winifred B. Swenson
became the first woman agent appointed out of the Kemper Group, Syracuse
Office; she was a member of the President's Club for many years, as well
as a preferred agent designated as a partnership agency; and
WHEREAS, In October of 1985, Winifred B. Swenson celebrated her 50th
Anniversary in the insurance industry; she was an Insurance and Real
Estate Broker, as well as a Notary Public and proudly maintained all of
her licenses; and
WHEREAS, She distinguished herself in her profession and by her
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of her
community; and
WHEREAS, She was the recipient of the Insurance Professional of the
Year Award by the Insurance Professionals of Orange County, the Feder-
ation of New York Insurance Professionals, Inc., the Independent Insur-
ance Agents Association of New York, Inc., and the Professional Insur-
ance Agents of New York; furthermore, she holds the FIPC designation
which was presented in recognition of her professionalism and dedication
to the insurance industry; and
WHEREAS, Winifred B. Swenson's commitment to excellence, and her spir-
it of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, She was an active member in numerous clubs and organizations
such as: the Cornwall High School Alumni Association; Charter Member,
Highland Engine No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary; Board of Fire Commissioners
(first woman appointed to board); Charter Member, Cornwall Businessmen's
Association; Treasurer and Board Member, Greater Cornwall Association;
sponsor for the Museum of Hudson Highlands; Director of the Zonta Club
of Newburgh International Association of Business & Professional Women;
Chairperson, Battered Women Committee; member of Development Committee -

Cornwall Hospital; and an original member of Cornwall July 4th Cele-
bration Committee; and
WHEREAS, Winifred B. Swenson also had the honor of serving as the
Grand Marshal in the Annual Parade as well as Chairperson for many
community fund drives including the United Way, the Cancer Society, the
Heart Association, and the March of Dimes; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Harold C. Swenson; a sister,
Mildred Gayton; niece, Stephanie Sherman; and great niece, Jodi Gayton
Lasala; Winifred B. Swenson is survived by her best friend and caregiv-
er, Jean Bouton; nieces, Constance White, Gwendolyn Reichenberger and
her friend, Charles Lind, Audrey Armendarez and her husband, Jose, Mela-
nie Gayton, and Theresa Woznick and her husband, Charles; nephews,
Robert Gayton and his wife, Sandra, Stephen Gayton and his wife, Carol,
David Gayton and fiance, Annette Mistretta, Richard Gayton and friend,
Carrie Ferguson, and Edward Gayton; as well as 22 great, 31 great-great,
and four great-great-great nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Winifred B. Swenson leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Winifred B. Swenson, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Winifred B. Swenson.

actions

  • 01 / Jun / 2009
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 02 / Jun / 2009
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 02 / Jun / 2009
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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