LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sister Joan Byrne upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for
the Aging on May 10, 2016

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 Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Sister Joan
Byrne upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Senior Citizens
Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in
The Egg, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and
WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape our
Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our freedoms
and values to ensure that those who come after them may have better
lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more visible
and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman 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, Sister Joan Byrne works tirelessly for seniors by encouraging
the development and preservation of affordable housing for seniors; and
WHEREAS, A member of the DePaul Housing Management Corporation Board
of Directors, Sister Joan Byrne provides countless hours of service and
has been instrumental in DePaul's growth to become a place where thou-
sands of seniors find affordable, high quality senior housing; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joan Byrne has always encouraged DePaul Housing
Management Corporation to focus on its housing mission, while exploring
new ways to help its senior residents live as well as they can; she has
served as a Board officer, and is an active member of the strategic
planning committees; and
WHEREAS, Born in Washington, D.C., Sister Joan Byrne worked for the
FBI before being called to religious life, faithfully living as a Sister
of the Holy Names for 60 years; and
WHEREAS, At St. Vincent's Parish in Albany, New York, Sister Joan
Byrne has collaborated with the City to address the need for senior
housing; this collaboration led to the re-opening of Vincentian Insti-
tute as St. Vincent's Apartments; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, since 1979, Sister Joan Byrne has been part of
the development of 15 senior communities sponsored by the Catholic Dioc-
ese of Albany; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Sister Joan Byrne 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 Sister Joan Byrne has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joan Byrne, a very active and industrious woman, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those she serves through her volun-
teerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of experiencing
life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sister Joan Byrne upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 10, 2016;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Joan Byrne.