LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Wanita W. Lewis 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Wanita
W. Lewis upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and
WHEREAS, Wanita W. Lewis was born on a farm on Bullock Hill in the
Town of Tompkins, New York, on August 27, 1914; and
WHEREAS, After graduating at the age of 16 from Delaware Academy,
Wanita W. Lewis began working for the Delaware County Clerk's Office in
1930, ably serving in this office for 11 years; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman married her high school sweetheart,
Donald H. Lewis, at the age of 19; together, they started a family, and
raised three beautiful children, John, Claire, and Steve; and
WHEREAS, While caring for her children as a young mother, Wanita W.
Lewis taught Sunday School at the former 2nd Presbyterian Church, volun-
teered as a Girl Scout leader, knitted for the Red Cross and served her
country as part of the government's Air Observer Corps during World War
II; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, Wanita W. Lewis returned to the workplace, securing
a position in the Delaware County Treasurer's office; she also began
attending night classes in accounting at SUNY Delhi; the following year,
she received the highest score on the civil service exam becoming an
accountant, and later office manager at the treasurer's office; and
WHEREAS, In 1969, this remarkable woman became deputy treasurer of
Delaware County, and then served as interim treasurer from June of 1970
until December 1970; that same year, she earned her associate's degree
in business administration from SUNY Delhi; and
WHEREAS, Wanita W. Lewis announced her candidacy for Delhi town super-
visor and was elected in November 1973; she became the first woman to
gain election to the post in the history of Delaware County, and was
reelected in 1975; during her tenure, the Delhi Town Hall was
constructed and officially opened to the public; and
WHEREAS, Participating in numerous civic and professional organiza-
tions, Wanita W. Lewis is a member and past district deputy of the Grand
Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and legislative chair of the
Business and Professional Women's organization; she was also treasurer
of the Delaware Women Golfers Association and highly involved in the
creation of the new Delhi College Golf Course; and
WHEREAS, In 1977, Wanita W. Lewis retired from her position as town
supervisor, and she and her husband relocated to Florida; after the
death of Donald Lewis, she returned to her beloved Delaware County in
2006; and
WHEREAS, Wanita W. Lewis has experienced the incredible joys and
sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and
courage to savor a full life; she has been an inspiration to all those
who have known her; 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 Wanita W. Lewis 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 Wanita W. Lewis.