LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Hazel Straight upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday on June 11, 2013

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Hazel
Straight upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; this
joyous milestone was celebrated at a party with her daughter and friends
at Heritage Commons Nursing Home in Ticonderoga, New York; and
WHEREAS, Hazel Straight was born on June 11, 1913; she attended school
in Richford, Vermont, and worked briefly in New Hampshire before moving
to Elizabethtown, New York, where she met and married her first husband,
Leo Cole; and
WHEREAS, The union produced two wonderful daughters, Jean and Beverly,
but her husband was tragically killed in a hunting accident; she later
met Charles Straight, who became her second husband; and
WHEREAS, Hazel Straight and her family settled in Port Henry, New
York, where she gave birth to two more wonderful daughters, Nancy and
Cheryl; the family worked hard, making it through the Great Depression
and food rationing during World War II; 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, Hazel Straight's daughter, Jean, died in an automobile acci-
dent in 1985, and after almost 50 years of marriage, her husband Charles
died in 1989; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; she drove a
car until the age of 93, often goes out to lunch with daughter, Nancy,
and lives in an apartment complex where she has many hobbies that keep
her entertained; 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 comes 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 Hazel Straight upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Hazel Straight.