Senate Resolution No. 3386

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Amelida Ortiz, distinguished
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, Amelida Ortiz of Buffalo, New York, died on Friday,
December 8, 2017, at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, Born in Limani, Adjuntas, in the mountains of Puerto Rico,
the former Amelida Figueroa was the youngest of 14 children; after
completing third grade, she went to work as a housekeeper and cook for
the local superintendent of schools and his wife, who was a teacher, and
they gave her lessons between her tasks; and

WHEREAS, Amelida Figueroa married Herminio Ortiz in 1948; the couple
came to Buffalo in the early 1950s, working on farms and in factories
before opening a corner store on the East Side; and

WHEREAS, A prominent member of Buffalo's Hispanic community, Amelida
Ortiz was a member of Hijas de Maria, where she led confirmation
classes, adult Bible study, the Women's Good Deed Network and novenas;
in addition, she sang in the choir and served as choir director; and

WHEREAS, Amelida Ortiz' commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Herminio Sr., and two children,
Carmen and Herminio Jr., Amelida Ortiz is survived by two daughters,
Nidia and Nancy; 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one
great-great-grandchild; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Amelida Ortiz 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 Amelida Ortiz, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Amelida Ortiz.