Senate Resolution No. 2057

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Linda Egan-Johnson upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Mother of Pearl
Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc.
on May 13, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those nurses from this great Empire State who have
distinguished themselves through professional excellence and have made
significant contributions to the quality of life of its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Linda Egan-Johnson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc.
to be celebrated at its 9th Annual Extravaganza on Saturday, May 13,
2017, at the Albany Ramada Plaza Hotel in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Linda Egan-Johnson was born on June 17th to Kyran and Irene
Egan in Albany, New York; after high school, she attended a two-year
business college; during this time, she held the position of Girls'
Program Director at the Albany CYO, where she organized numerous
programs and mentored the counselors and students; and

WHEREAS, After working for the federal government for seven years,
returned to college and earned her nursing degree from Maria College;
and

WHEREAS, Linda Egan-Johnson then worked at Child's Hospital and St.
Peter's Hospital, and was a Public Health Nurse with the Visiting Nurse
Association of Albany; her first nursing position was at Child's Nursing
Home where she cared for and assisted the elderly; and

WHEREAS, During her later years of employment, Linda Egan-Johnson
attended evening college to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in
Nursing at Russell Sage College; she furthered her education by earning
her master's degree in Special Education; and

WHEREAS, Linda Egan-Johnson was then employed at Catholic Charities
in Albany, assisting the Executive Director of a 10-county home care
agency; she also set up and taught a New York State approved Home Health
Aide program for local students; and

WHEREAS, For the next 18 years, Linda Egan-Johnson served as a
registered school nurse-teacher at Delaware Community School (formally
known as P.S. 18) in Albany; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Linda Egan-Johnson taught elementary
school children health classes, maturation and hygiene classes, good/bad
touch and Nutritio classes to empower these children with the ability to
become self-directed in their own care; and

WHEREAS, Besides teaching, Linda Egan-Johnson cared for students who
suffered scrapes and bruises from accidents and injuries during play

time, administered medications and taught students with asthma how to
administer their own inhalers under her watchful supervision and
guidance; and

WHEREAS, As the school nurse, Linda Egan-Johnson served in various
roles such as social worker, caregiver, teacher, and friend; she also
maintained close contact with parents/guardians to ensure physicals and
immunizations, among other things, were up to date; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Linda Egan-Johnson set up "Wellness
Days" for both staff and students where speakers from various local
agencies came to provide individuals and students with imperative
information; she also assisted refugees who needed medical care to
obtain appropriate referrals to physicians, dentists, and social
workers; and

WHEREAS, Although she is officially retired, Linda Egan-Johnson
continues to work 2 1/2 days with the children of the Albany City School
District; and

WHEREAS, When she is not working, Linda Egan-Johnson enjoys spending
time with her family, her two dogs, and five cats; she likes to maintain
her health at various gyms, and for the last 12 years, has been the lead
female vocalist in the Georgie Wonders Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, This dynamic woman also volunteers her time and energy to
Jezreel International which is an Albany-based agency that secures
donations from various stores as well as private donations, to help less
fortunate people; donations are packed and shipped to many countries
across the world including Israel, Africa and South America; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Arnold Johnson,
and their daughter, Sarah, both of whom have shown her love and support
and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Built upon the proud tradition of caring, the profession of
nursing is dedicated to implementing the best practices to deliver the
highest quality of care to those whom they serve; and

WHEREAS, These exceptional individuals, leaders in their profession,
make a difference in the lives of every one of their patients, as well
as the patients' family members they serve each and every day; they have
truly proven themselves to be great assets to the health and welfare of
the citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, A woman of true integrity, Linda Egan-Johnson has served as
a Registered Nurse with distinction, enthusiasm, dedication and honor;
for almost four decades, she has rendered faithful, conscientious and
valuable service to the Capital Region, earning the admiration, esteem
and affection of her colleagues; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Linda Egan-Johnson upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial
Institute, Inc. on May 13, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Linda Egan-Johnson.