LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Margaret Leavey 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 exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Margaret Tenny, affectionately known as Ma, was born the
second of nine children in Detroit, Michigan, on May 6, 1916, to Margar-
et and William Tenny; and
WHEREAS, At the age of seven, due to an outbreak of polio, Margaret
Tenny and her older sister moved to Fordham Road in the Bronx to live
with their aunts; the rest of her family followed several months later;
and
WHEREAS, In 1933, Margaret Tenny graduated from St. Simon Stock School
in the Bronx where she met the love of her life and future husband Harry
Leavey; during this time, she was fortunate enough to work as a legal
secretary during the Depression era; and
WHEREAS, Margaret Tenny married Harry Leavey in 1944, during the
Second World War, and moved to Colorado Springs while her husband was
stationed there; she moved back to the Bronx when Harry was shipped
overseas with the 92nd Bomber group as a B-17 pilot; and
WHEREAS, After the war, the couple started their family, having eight
children in 11 years; in April of 1958, Margaret Leavey and her family
moved to a new development in Orangeburg, New York; 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, A true rock within her family, Margaret Leavey is known for
her infectious smile, wit and humor, always enjoying a good laugh; her
kindness, compassion and generosity truly exemplifies the ideals of the
"Greatest Generation" and her children, grandchildren and great grand-
children continue to spread her ideals today; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Harry, and their
eight children, as well as 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and
one great-great grandchild, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
her life and rejoice in her achievements; 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 Margaret Leavey upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Margaret Leavey.