LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mary Elizabeth Olga Fraser upon
the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this great Empire State to recognize those
individuals who have made a lasting impression on their communities, and
whose lives have been filled with many remarkable experiences and with
many individuals who love and respect them; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to hereby
congratulate Mary Elizabeth Olga Fraser upon the occasion of celebrating
her 100th Birthday; and
WHEREAS, Mary Elizabeth Olga Swan was born on March 13, 1916, in the
village of Stewartville, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, in the Colony of
British Guiana; and
WHEREAS, Mary Elizabeth Olga Fraser, known to friends as Olga, was the
last of four sisters; she attended the Stewartville Congregational
Primary School under the British system where primary education was the
hallmark of one's future; and
WHEREAS, In her early years, Olga Fraser started working at the Leono-
ra Sugar Estate; she later traveled to the north western region of Guia-
na with one of her sisters and worked as a Culinary Artist at Matthews
Ridge Reynolds Manganese Company; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Olga Fraser was blessed with seven wonderful children, David,
Gloria, Ronald, Verona, Brenda, Elsa and the late Rupert; today, she is
the proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 2
great-great grandchildren; 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, Searching for the American Dream, Olga Fraser along with
other Caribbean families, immigrated to the United States where she
began working in the Homecare Market; she quickly adapted to the Ameri-
can life style and worked as a Healthcare Aide and Culinary Artist; and
WHEREAS, When Olga Fraser entered the United States, her British Birth
Certificate, embossed in calligraphy, was misread and the date of her
birth on her American Birth Certificate reads March 30, 1916; she
marvels and enjoys celebrating both birthdays; and
WHEREAS, During her full and accomplished life, Olga Fraser dedicated
countless hours to her exceptional culinary skills which have been
passed on to her children; in addition, her special dishes were memora-
ble treats at many family gatherings; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Olga Fraser resides in Brooklyn, New York, with
her devoted daughters; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman has witnessed countless events, inno-
vations and achievements in this country, while personally contributing
to the progression and excellence of this great Empire State and forever
enriching the lives of those around her; and
WHEREAS, Olga Fraser, who is described by her family and friends as an
extremely loving, caring and hard-working person, has made a difference
in countless lives; she has credited her longevity to a strong religious
upbringing, healthy eating habits and strong family genes; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
hereby honor and recognize Mary Elizabeth Olga Fraser for a lifetime of
accomplishments, 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 Mary Elizabeth Olga Fraser.