LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Esther Lewis posthumously upon the occa-
sion of her designation for special recognition by the Family Planning
Advocates of New York State

WHEREAS, Individuals who gave of their time and energies and served the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Esther Lewis has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to pay tribute to Esth-
er Lewis posthumously upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Family Planning Advocates of New York State for her
remarkable advocacy for the betterment of the women, men, and families
of New York State on October 25, 2013, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Esther Lewis was the driving force behind the creation of
Family Planning Advocates of New York State whose vision for a central-
ized and united voice of advocacy came from a set of circumstances for
which we can all be grateful; and
WHEREAS, Born Esther Levin, on September 8, 1923, to parents Harry and
Charlotte Levin, she graduated from Albany High School, and attended
both the College of Saint Rose and the Parsons School of Design; and
WHEREAS, Esther Lewis served on the board of the New York Coalition
for Family Planning, and as President of the Upper Hudson Planned
Parenthood Board of Directors; in addition, she was a volunteer chair
for the Planned Parenthood North East Region and established a Public
Affairs Committee to secure funding for family planning services; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Esther Lewis worked with 21 Planned
Parenthood organizations across New York to gain their support; she
organized Planned Parenthood with other family planning providers, as
well as individuals to work to have a greater impact on public policy;
and
WHEREAS, Esther Lewis began serving on the Family Planning Advocates
of New York State Board of Directors in 1985; she was appointed to the
Family Planning Advocates Board Executive Committee in 1988, and in
1995, received the designation of Ex-Officio; and
WHEREAS, In 1997, Family Planning Advocates recognized Esther Lewis's
hard work and dedication by bestowing upon her the eminent Al Moran
Public Advocacy Award, the most prestigious award given by the Family
Planning Advocates; and
WHEREAS, Esther Lewis was also commended for her unwavering dedication
and leadership of the Family Planning Advocates; she was instrumental in
increasing family planning services and advocating to keep funding
intact; and
WHEREAS, Esther Lewis was called upon to contribute her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and always gave of
herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Esther Lewis stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Esther Lewis was predeceased by her husband, Nahum; she is
survived by their three children, Samuel, Naomi, Daniel, and their
spouses, six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and one brother,
Joseph; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Esther Lewis displayed throughout
her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Esther Lewis posthumously upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Family Planning Advocates of New York State;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Esther Lewis.