LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Beth O'Brien upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Bishop Howard Hubbard Humanitarian
Award by Catholic Charities on June 19, 2014

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who
provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary
programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession or
other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mary Beth
O'Brien upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Bishop
Howard Hubbard Humanitarian Award by Catholic Charities, to be cele-
brated at its Night at the Museum event on Thursday, June 19, 2014, at
the New York State Museum, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mary Beth O'Brien is being recognized for her years of
service to the poor and vulnerable both within her community and around
the world, which serves to empower others; and
WHEREAS, A native of Troy, New York, Mary Beth O'Brien has been
involved with Catholic organizations from a young age; she joined the
Ladies of Charity in 1959, during which time she worked closely with
Sister Serena Branson, former CEO of Catholic Charities, who became her
spiritual mentor; and
WHEREAS, Mary Beth O'Brien has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, For many years, Mary Beth O'Brien and her late husband Frank
have been steadfast and generous supporters of Catholic Charities; she
has continued her affiliation with the Ladies of Charity, having served
as their local and national President; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, her national committee work has been involved in
developing an alliance with Notre Dame and Catholic Charities USA to
find ways to reduce poverty in the United States; she has served on the
Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany since
2000; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Mary Beth O'Brien has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mary Beth O'Brien has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Beth O'Brien upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the Bishop Howard Hubbard Humanitarian Award by Catholic Chari-
ties on June 19, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Beth O'Brien.