LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Josephine McWilliams 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 Jose-
phine McWilliams upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday, celebrated at
a party held in her honor at the Hillcrest Spring Residential assisted
living facility on Tuesday, April 22, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Josephine McWilliams was born on April 22, 1914, the daughter
of Italian immigrants; and
WHEREAS, Growing up on her family's farm in Schenectady, New York,
Josephine McWilliams learned the value of hard work, performing such
chores as feeding chickens and collecting eggs after walking several
miles to school and back on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, At an early age, this esteemed woman began work as a cashier
at a dry cleaners; she later worked at a department store, before start-
ing her career at General Electric; in addition, she taught religious
education at St. Anthony's Church; and
WHEREAS, While working at General Electric, Josephine was introduced
to her future husband James McWilliams; the two were married in 1955,
and started a family at their home in Amsterdam, New York; and
WHEREAS, When not busy with her career, Josephine McWilliams was dedi-
cated to the care of others throughout her long life; she often visited
the homes of elderly people, helping with household tasks and doing
their grocery shopping; and
WHEREAS, This compassionate woman was a constant presence whenever any
of her family or friends fell ill, helping out with cooking and cleaning
even into her eighties; and
WHEREAS, Today, Josephine McWilliams still tries to lend a helping
hand at Hillcrest Spring Residential where she has resided for the past
three years; she has cooked meals in the facility's kitchen, and also
helped church members bring back Palm Sunday palms to those patients who
could not attend services; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of all of those around 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 Josephine McWilliams 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 Josephine McWilliams.