LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Lillian Schoonmaker upon the occa-
sion 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, Lillian McEwan was born on November 25, 1915, on her family
farm in Pine Bush, New York; she worked hard to help support her family,
whether it was laboring in a boarding house or helping her parents run
the farm; and
WHEREAS, In spite of the arduous work she did at both the boarding
house and at home, Lillian Schoonmaker remembers plenty of fun; she and
her sisters, Janette and Marietta, and her brother, John, used to gallop
on their two horses, ice skate on the pond, ride sleds, and race down
the hills using homemade snow skis; and
WHEREAS, For a time, Lillian Schoonmaker left the farm during the
week, and held a position at a clothing store in Middletown, New York;
and
WHEREAS, On February 18, 1940, Lillian Schoonmaker, at the age of 25,
married Spencer Schoonmaker; together, the couple happily raised and
nurtured two daughters, Sharon and Beverly, in Gardiner, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Schoonmaker family lived and worked on their own 260 acre
farm which they had inherited from Spencer Schoonmaker's parents; Lilli-
an Schoonmaker diligently toiled in her huge garden, producing all the
vegetables needed to feed her own growing family and her in-laws; she
canned and froze the bounty so they would have plenty to carry them
through the winter; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Lillian Schoonmaker cooked all the meals,
cleaned the house, did the mowing, cared for her daughters, kept and
slaughtered the chickens, and did the landscaping; a tireless worker,
she also made clothes and curtains, and crocheted, knitted and quilted;
and
WHEREAS, Devoted to her community, Lillian Schoonmaker was a member of
the Reformed Church of Shawangunk, Wallkill, New York, where she enthu-
siastically assisted with Church Senior Lunches; in addition, she was a
vital participant of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Shawangunk Valley Fire
Company; and
WHEREAS, Happy-go-lucky Lillian Schoonmaker has lived a wonderful and
fulfilling life; today, she enjoys spending time with her family,
crocheting, solving Word Search puzzles, and most importantly, laughing;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Lillian Schoonmaker has developed a
list of her favorite life lessons, which she attributes to her good
health and happiness; they include: when you go out in the garden, take
your children with you; be a good and friendly neighbor; walk; keep
yourself busy with productive things; instill a good work ethic in your
children; do not complain and take things as they come; do not splurge
on a big wedding; do not get surgery for vanity's sake; live without
regrets; and laugh, and then laugh some more; and finally, when your
time comes, you go, that is it; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; 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 Lillian Schoonmaker 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 Lillian Schoonmaker.