LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Matilda Lotito Farrell upon the
occasion of celebrating her 100th 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, Matilda Lotito was born on August 10, 1911, in Patchogue, New
York; and
WHEREAS, To mark this auspicious occasion, Matilda Lotito Farrell
celebrated her milestone birthday at the Perabell Restaurant in Patc-
hogue on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, surrounded by her extended family
and warm circle of friends; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Italian immigrants, Louis Lotito and Amelia
Reda, Matilda Lotito Farrell was one of nine children; and
WHEREAS, In 1932, when she was 21 years old, Matilda Lotito met her
future husband Harold Farrell while attending her brother's wedding; the
happy couple was soon married and together they were blessed with three
wonderful children, June, Thomas, and Michelle, and a happy home at 68
Jayne Avenue in Patchogue; Matilda Lotito Farrell still resides in the
house today; and
WHEREAS, Matilda Lotito Farrell lived through seven wars and took part
in electing eighteen United States Presidents; she was only nine years
old when the 19th Amendment was passed on August 26, 1920, giving Ameri-
can women the right to vote; in 1932, at the age of 21, she became the
first woman of her family's generation to vote in a United States
election; and
WHEREAS, A homemaker while her children were growing up, Matilda Loti-
to Farrell's house was always a welcome place for her children and their
friends; long before the civil rights enlightenment and resulting legis-
lation, there were children of all shapes, sizes, and colors at her
home; and
WHEREAS, In 1947, at the age of 36, Matilda Lotito Farrell joined the
workforce; she was first employed by the LONG ISLAND ADVANCE NEWSPAPER
as a proofreader, a position she loved; in 1952, she became a Secretary
for a local Lincoln Mercury dealership; a few years later, she worked at
the Teachers Federal Credit Union, and in 1962, she was hired as a
Medical Secretary for Dr. Abraham Cohen, Orthopedic Surgeon, a position
in which she remained until her retirement in 1988, at the age of 77;
and
WHEREAS, A strong woman and free thinker, Matilda Lotito Farrell was
always interested in what was going on in the world around her; she
respected American leaders like the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, and
Presidents like Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton;
she always kept herself current on worldly issues important to herself
and her family; and
WHEREAS, A longtime congregant of St. Francis deSales Roman Catholic
Church, Matilda Lotito Farrell also belonged to the Patchogue Historical
Society, the Blue Point Seniors, and St. Francis deSales Adult Club; and
WHEREAS, A lover of both baseball and football, Matilda Lotito Farrell
also enjoys word puzzles, playing Scrabble, and reading, and credits
these hobbies for keeping her brain sharp; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her three children, 15 grand-
children, 23 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, as
well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom feel privileged to be part
of her life and rejoice in her achievements; 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 Matilda Lotito Farrell upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matilda Lotito Farrell.