LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Maria T. Harrison, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Maria T. Harrison died on December 31, 2015, at the age of
56; born Maria T. Preite in Brooklyn, New York, she lived in Short
Hills, New Jersey, for the past 25 years; and
WHEREAS, She graduated from St. John's University with a bachelor of
arts degree, which led her to pursue a master's in education at Caldwell
University; and
WHEREAS, Maria T. Harrison was a firm believer in the potential of
others and dedicated her life to helping them achieve it; and
WHEREAS, Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch appointed her to serve on
the N.Y.C. Commission on the Status of Women, where she advocated for
gender equality through dialogue and policy proposals; and
WHEREAS, She later spent a decade as an elementary school teacher for
Ecole Toussaint Louverture, a public elementary school in East Orange,
New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Maria T. Harrison distinguished herself in her profession and
by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; and
WHEREAS, Maria T. Harrison's commitment to excellence, and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her commitment to education, Maria T. Harrison
was an active parishioner and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of St.
Rose of Lima Church; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her mother, Gloria Mercorella Preite, Maria T.
Harrison is survived by her husband, Edmond Harrison; her two children,
Meghan and E.J.; her father, Joseph Preite; and her brother, Ralph
Preite; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Maria T. Harrison leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Maria T. Harrison, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Maria T. Harrison.