Senate Resolution No. 182

BY: Senator RITCHIE

CONGRATULATING Florence Allen Stevens upon the
occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday on August
28, 2016

WHEREAS, Born Frances Pearl Allen on August 28, 1916, in Volney, New
York, Florence was the third of four children of Ernest and Katherine
Bun Allen; and

WHEREAS, She celebrated her 100th Birthday with a party held in her
honor on Sunday, August 28, 2016, at the Volney Town Hall; and

WHEREAS, Growing up, Florence Allen enjoyed ice-skating and sliding;
she attended high school in Fulton, New York; and

WHEREAS, Florence Allen married her neighbor, Ethuel "Jack" Stevens,
on September 2, 1934; and

WHEREAS, Florence and Jack Stevens ran a mom and pop grocery store
and gas station until Jack's death in 1974; Florence continued to
operate the store until she retired in 1985 after 45 years in business;
and

WHEREAS, Florence and Jack Stevens were the proud parents of five
children, Tresia, Alice and Florence, and the late Stacy and the late
Kathleen; and

WHEREAS, In addition to running the grocery store, Florence Allen
Stevens worked at General Electric to supplement the family's income;
she was also a constant and dedicated volunteer for the North Volney
Methodist Church as well as to her community in Volney, always lending a
hand to neighbors in need; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, Florence Allen Stevens was honored by the North
Volney Methodist Church for her many years of distinguished service and
devotion; and

WHEREAS, Florence Allen Stevens has always celebrated her birthdays
in style, including a hot air balloon ride to celebrate her 80th
birthday, a limousine ride with friends to a party in celebration of her
85th birthday, and a ride in the side car of a motorcycle to celebrate
her 90th birthday; and

WHEREAS, Florence Allen Stevens has inspired her family with her
strength and beauty and they look forward to celebrating many more
birthdays with her; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished woman, who has experienced the
incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those
with the stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the
lives of her many friends and family; and

WHEREAS, Florence Allen Stevens has enriched the lives of those
around her through her joyous and sincere love for life 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
recognize 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 Florence Allen Stevens upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Florence Allen Stevens.