LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Catherine Toolan Gearity upon the occa-
sion of her designation as Deputy Grand Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge
St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 23, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those distinguished citizens of the State of New York who
devote their lifework and civic endeavor in service to their community,
adding to the character and quality of life for all citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Catherine Toolan Gearity upon the occasion of her designation as Deputy
Grand Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on
Sunday, March 23, 2014; and
WHEREAS, In 1956, Catherine Toolan Gearity, affectionately known as
Cathie, was born to Jeanne and John Toolan on a military base in Cherry
Point, North Carolina where her father was stationed during his service
in the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, At the age of two, Cathie Toolan Gearity moved to Dyker
Heights, Brooklyn where she and her five siblings attended St. Ephrem
School and Fort Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge; she graduated from
St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nursing in 1977; and
WHEREAS, Cathie Toolan Gearity began her lifelong illustrious career
in nursing as a medical-surgical nurse on the gastric unit of Memorial
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and attended Marymount Manhattan College
to complete education requirements towards her BSN; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of her Bachelor of Science in Nursing
degree, Cathie Toolan Gearity became a visiting nurse for Catholic Home
Care, and in 2011, she began her new role as a home hospice nurse for
Calvary Hospital; and
WHEREAS, While remaining steadfast to her nursing vocation, Cathie
Toolan Gearity took on PTA President roles at PS 185 and Genesis at
Xaverian where her children attended school; she was also active in the
parent boards at Regis, Xavier and Bishop Kearney High Schools; and
WHEREAS, Cathie Toolan Gearity has been a CCD teacher at Our Lady of
Angels Parish for 18 years; in addition, she brings the Eucharist to
individuals who are homebound; and
WHEREAS, With a strong love and respect for those who serve in the
military, Cathie Toolan Gearity is involved in the Semper Fi Fund; in
November of 2013, she organized the third Annual Semper Fi Fund Bay
Ridge 5k Run, which raised significant funds to help support injured
Marines; and
WHEREAS, Cathie Toolan Gearity is a fitting choice for Deputy Grand
Marshal of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, for she embodies the
spirit and the cherished ideals and values of this great State and
Nation; and
WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time for people of all nationalities
and generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage
of the Irish people throughout these United States; and
WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and highlights the many
contributions and historical accomplishments of the Irish community in
this diverse land; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Catherine Toolan Gearity upon the occasion of her designation as
Deputy Grand Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on
March 23, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Catherine Toolan Gearity.