LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh upon the
occasion of celebrating her 107th 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, Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh was born on June 9, 1907; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Ena
Elizabeth Schouburgh upon the occasion of celebrating her 107th Birth-
day; this gracious woman will be honored at her Birthday Celebration on
June 9, 2014, at CABS Nursing Home, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh was born in Hope Bay, Portland
Jamaica, the eldest of four children; she immigrated to the United
States around 1945, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1953; and
WHEREAS, Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh has spent most of her time in the
United States living in Brooklyn, New York; she graduated from Adelphi
Training School of Nursing and worked as a public health nurse at Adel-
phi Hospital for many years, visiting the sick throughout Brooklyn and
caring for their needs; in this capacity she truly rebuilt the physical
brokenness of many and lifted up those who had fallen on hard times; and
WHEREAS, Known as a natural healer with a remedy for almost any
ailment, Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh subsequently worked as a home health
aide for families in Brooklyn, forging long-lasting relationships with
people from a wide range of backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh was raised in the Seventh-Day Adven-
tist Church and has been a person of faith her entire life; she was a
devoted member the Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Brooklyn where
she served as a deaconess, usher, bible worker, as well as with the
personal ministries and community service arms of the church; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, A beloved presence in her church community, and the community
at large, Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh was known for responding whenever she
saw a need, whether it meant buying a new suit for the pastor, or invit-
ing people she met on the street to her home if she thought they were in
need of food or clothing; she gave away not only her time, but also her
money to needy children and their parents for school fees, books, and
tuition; and
WHEREAS, Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh raised one adopted son and treated
all children as her own; she has used her faith and ordinary life as a
catalyst for the greater good, dedicating herself to serving others,
regularly crossing religious, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers
in reaching out to those around her; and
WHEREAS, She resides at CABS Nursing Home and, although she is
confined to her bed or wheelchair, she continues to bring people togeth-
er; 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 Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh upon the occasion of celebrating
her 107th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ena Elizabeth Schouburgh.