LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mildred Stephens Lemos upon the
occasion of celebrating her 104th Birthday

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 congratu-
late Mildred Stephens Lemos upon the occasion of celebrating her 104th
Birthday on Thursday, May 5, 2011; and
WHEREAS, One of ten children, Mildred Stephens Lemos was born on May
5, 1907, in Southport, New York, to John and Elizabeth Stephens; and
WHEREAS, Mildred's father John was born and raised in Bavaria but left
the country on a boat to America, at the age of 17, in an effort to
avoid being inducted into the German Army; it was when he landed in New
York from Bavaria that he met and married her mother Elizabeth and
together they started their large family in the new land; and
WHEREAS, Mildred Stephens Lemos received her teaching degree from
Oneonta College and obtained her first teaching position in Belmont,
Long Island, New York, where she taught for four years before relocating
to Harrison in Westchester County; and
WHEREAS, After her move from Belmont, Mildred Stephens Lemos joined
the Harrison Central School District; she taught fourth grade for 20
years, on the third floor in the attic, at Parsons Memorial Elementary
School; and
WHEREAS, Mildred Stephens Lemos transferred to Pleasant Ridge Elemen-
tary School where she remained for twenty years as a second grade teach-
er; and
WHEREAS, Mildred Stephens Lemos retired from the Harrison Central
School District in 1973, at the age of 66, after over 40 years of
employment; she has no children of her own but is fortunate to consider
all of her beloved past students "her Children"; and
WHEREAS, Mildred Stephens Lemos remarkably drove her car until the age
of 98 when she decided to give up driving; until she reached the age of
99, she walked to the stores as well as to the post office downtown; and
WHEREAS, Today, Mildred Stephens Lemos keeps herself active by read-
ing, gardening, and having frequent visits by the local police and near-
by friendly neighbors; and
WHEREAS, While Mildred Lemos is privileged to be provided with the
Meals on Wheels program from the town of Harrison during the week, she
still cooks for herself on weekends; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman 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, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which come only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
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 Mildred Stephens Lemos upon the occasion of celebrating her
104th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mildred Stephens Lemos, Second Street, Harrison, New York.