LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ruth Veronica Brooks 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, Ruth Veronica Brooks, affectionately known as Vera, was born
on October 4, 1913, to Levi and Ollie; and
WHEREAS, In 1936, Ruth came to the United States from Canada, and
shortly thereafter met her future husband, Charles Martin Brooks, when
her mail was accidentally delivered to his house; and
WHEREAS, Ruth and Charles Brooks were united in marriage on June 2,
1938, and enjoyed 66 years of marriage until Charles' passing in April
of 2004; and
WHEREAS, Ruth and Charles Brooks were the proud parents of one son,
Charles Vincent Brooks; together, the Brooks' enjoyed making and selling
crafts at craft fairs, traveling, and camping in their motor home; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Brooks' first job in the United States was as a housek-
eeper and nanny before she became a professional seamstress; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman, has been a member of the Westmere Fire
Department Ladies Auxiliary for 67 years in addition to being a member
of the Good Sam's Club with her husband and participating in Guilderland
Senior Citizens; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Brooks also devoted her time volunteering with the Boy
Scouts, the Parent Teacher Organization, Town Hall, cooking for church
functions and sewing clothes for children in need, which she continues
to do to this day; and
WHEREAS, Even as she turns 100 years old, Ruth Brooks still enjoys
cooking and baking for her extended family, and reading, playing cards,
emailing and visiting with her family and friends, and taking daily
walks; 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 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 Ruth Veronica Brooks 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 Ruth Veronica Brooks.