Senate Resolution No. 1939

BY: Senator LITTLE

CONGRATULATING Edna Butler upon the occasion of
celebrating her 100th Birthday on May 6, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Edna Butler upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to be
celebrated at a party held in her honor and hosted by her family and
friends on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at The 1925 Barn in Hudson Falls, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Edna Butler was born on May 3, 1917, to Asel and Myra
Balcom Elethorpe in Hague, New York; she attended grade school and
graduated from Hague High School in 1935; as a student, she played
basketball and was a member of the team which won a state championship;
and

WHEREAS, Edna Elethorpe married her high school sweetheart, Alvin
Middleton, on October 7, 1939, in Pelham Manor, New York, where they
were both working; the couple moved back to Hague in the early 1940s;
and

WHEREAS, During the summer months, Edna Middleton served as a
bookkeeper in the business office at the Silver Bay Association YMCA;
and

WHEREAS, While Edna Middleton and her husband were raising their
daughters, Nancy and Susan, she held many leadership positions in
various community organizations including President of the PTA, and
President of the American Legion Auxiliary; this dynamic woman also
belonged to the women's bowling league, taught Sunday School, and
operated a horseback riding stable with the help of her family; and

WHEREAS, After the sudden death of her husband in 1964, Edna
Middleton moved to Hudson Falls; in 1968, she married her second
husband, Robert Butler; and

WHEREAS, Edna Butler attended Adirondack Community College,
graduating in 1974; during this time, she served as the Director of the
Glens Falls Senior Citizens Center; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Edna Butler was instrumental in expanding
its programs, and enhancing many of the programs already in place, and
she and her staff organized many fun bus trips; after her retirement in
1983, Edna Butler worked as a substitute teacher's aide for BOCES; and


WHEREAS, Edna Butler was also a vital member of the Board of
Directors of the Office of the Aging; in this role, she attended a
conference at the White House in Washington DC; and

WHEREAS, Edna Butler and her husband enjoyed traveling, gardening,
square dancing, camping, snowmobiling, and spending time with their
family until he passed away in 2001; and

WHEREAS, When she was not spending time with her family, Edna Butler
played golf, and served as an usher at the Saratoga Performing Arts
Center with her friends Pauline, Tekla, and Edith; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her two daughters, Nancy
(Joe) Ferreira and Susan (Larry) Wolcott, Sr.; four grandchildren, Donna
(Richard), Larry, Jr. (Terrie), Lori (Dominick), and Karen (Peter); six
great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jeffrey, Kelsey, Joshua, Cameron and Jared;
and one great-great-grandchild, Camella; as well as her late husbands,
Alvin Middleton, and Robert Butler, all of whom have shown her love and
support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Edna Butler, with her zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian 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, Edna Butler 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
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 Edna Butler upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Edna Butler.